Evaluation of Oxidative Stress Levels in Codeine-Induced and Codeine Recovery Phase of Albino Rats

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Published: Feb 28, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.26538/tjnpr/v9i2.18
Keywords:
Lipid peroxidation, Superoxide dismutase, Catalase, Oxidative stress, Codeine

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Chiagozie C King-Bertram
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Science and Technology, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu State 
Esther I Etu
Department of Anatomic Pathology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Science, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike, Ebonyi State 
Nyejirime Y Wike
Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, State University of Medical and Applied Science, Igbo-eno, Enugu State 
Achi U Franklyn
Department of Morbid Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu State 
Ukamaka P Obichukwu-Ehighibe
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Science and Technology, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu State 
Ndubuisi N Richards
Department of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State 
Chinedu P Maduka
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Science and Technology, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu State
Chukwu D Chigozie
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Science, David Umahi Federal University of Medical Science, Uburu Ebonyi State 
Ekoh, J Adaorah
Department of Histopathology, Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu State 
Chinonso C Ani
Department of Nursing (Adult), Faculty of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, England 
Afun I Olabanji
Department of Science Education, Faculty of Environmental and Education, University of Abuja 
Emmanuel A Ameh
Department of Medical Services, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic Unwana, Ebonyi State 
Maria C Ugwuodo
Department of Histopathology Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Enugu State University College of Medicine, Enugu State 
Omolola M Stephen
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, Osun State University, Osun State 
Ngozi R Esenwa
Department of Marine Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Lagos State 

Abstract

The widespread availability and potential for misuse of codeine have rendered chronic use a pressing public health issue. Long-term codeine exposure can lead to multisystem toxicity, causing oxidative stress, cellular damage, and increased vulnerability to illness. This study assessed the levels of oxidative stress in Albino rats during the codeine-induced and codeine-recovery phases. For this study, 20 Albino rats weighing 160-200 g were used. The animals were assigned into four groups of five rats. Feed and water were administered to rats in Group 1 (control). Codeine was administered to Groups 2, 3, and 4 at doses of 10 mg/kg, 15 mg/kg, and 20 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Serum biochemical assays were conducted using blood samples collected on day 14. After that, the animals underwent a 7-day codeine withdrawal to assess recovery. Blood samples were collected on day 7 for the second phase of biochemical assay. Administration of codeine for 14 days significantly reduced antioxidant enzyme levels (superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) (p < 0.05), but serum lipid peroxidation level was elevated (p < 0.05). After a 7-day recovery period, catalase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione peroxidase levels showed significant recovery (p < 0.05), lipid peroxidation decreased significantly (p < 0.05), but superoxide dismutase levels remained unchanged. These findings indicate that misuse of codeine adversely affects oxidative stress levels, persisting even after recovery. Therefore, caution is recommended when consuming codeine and other opioids. 

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King-Bertram, C. C., Etu, E. I., Wike, N. Y., Franklyn, A. U., Obichukwu-Ehighibe, U. P., Richards, N. N., Maduka, C. P., Chigozie, C. D., Adaorah, E. J., Ani, C. C., Olabanji, A. I., Ameh, E. A., Ugwuodo, M. C., Stephen , O. M., & Esenwa, N. R. (2025). Evaluation of Oxidative Stress Levels in Codeine-Induced and Codeine Recovery Phase of Albino Rats . Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research (TJNPR), 9(2), 541 – 544. https://doi.org/10.26538/tjnpr/v9i2.18
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Vol. 9 No. 2 (2025): Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research (TJNPR)
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Articles
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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