Effect of Pyrus communis (Common Pear) Seeds on Selected Parameters of Liver Function in Rats Treated with Cadmium

The study investigated possible hepatoprotective potentials of Pyrus communis (PC) seeds in rats treated with cadmium. Twenty Wistar rats weighing 150 g - 180 g were divided into 4 groups (A, B, C and D) of 5 rats each. Group A received distilled water only. 5mg/kg bwt cadmium was given to group B orally while group C were pre-administered with 500mg/kg bwt PC extract orally. Group D received 500mg/kg bwt PC. After two weeks of treatment, serum and liver homogenate were evaluated for haptoglobin, (Hp) total protein (TP), albumin, alanine transaminase, (ALT) and aspartate transaminase, (AST). The results showed significant (p<0.05) reduction in liver and serum Hp concentrations in rats treated with cadmium. There was also significant (p<0.05) decrease in liver TP, ALT and AST levels and significant (p<0.05) increase in serum TP, ALT and AST levels in rats treated with cadmium. However, treatment with PC restored Hp, TP, ALT and AST levels back to near normal. We concluded that 5mg/kg bwt cadmium caused liver damage and depressed Hp synthesis, and PC protected the liver