Study on Biochemical Indices of Liver Function Tests of Albino Rats Supplemented with Three Sources of Vegetable Oils

Biochemical and histological analysis were conducted to determine the effects of palm oil, groundnut oil and coconut oil on the liver condition of albino rats. Thirty-two albino rats were divided into four groups of eight rats each and were fed with 90% rats chow supplemented with 10% of palm oil, coconut oil and groundnut oil for six weeks along with water ad libitum. Biochemical indices of liver function determined include serum total protein, albumin, conjugated and total bilirubin, aspartate aminotranferases (AST), alanine aminotransferases (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities. Liver weight, body weight, feed intake and faecal output were also determined. Results show increase in liver weight, serum total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, ALT (in rats fed with palm and groundnut oil-based diet), AST (in rats fed with coconut oil-based diet only) as well as ALP compared with control. Histopathological examination show mild inflammation of the liver. These results therefore, indicate a compromise in liver of rats administered 10% oil - based diet.