Assessment on the effect of selected oral contraceptives on the liver functionality and integrity

Oral contraceptives have been useful in birth control and other gynecological disorders; it is sometimes abused due to ignorance and other underlying factors. The liver is saddled with the responsibility of drug metabolism. This study assessed the effect of oral contraceptives on the liver functionality and integrity. A total of 25 female albino rats were obtained and allowed to acclimatize in the animal house of the department of Pharmacology, Rivers State University for 7 days. The rats were divided into five groups of five animals in each group. Group 1 served as control, Group 2 and 3 were administered with low and high doses of Exluton, while group 4 and 5 were administered low and high doses of Combination-3 respectively. The albino rats in all groups were allowed feed and water ad libitum. The experimental process lasted for 21 days, after which the animals were sacrificed, blood samples collected into sterile bottles for biochemical assay using standard laboratory procedures, while the liver was harvest for histological examination. The results obtained from analysis revealed a slight insignificant increase in the concentration of serum AST when administered Exluton and Combination-3 at both doses. ALP serum concentration reduced at all doses of the drugs administered, while ALT had an inconsistent variation. Total protein and ALB decreased in concentration while Bilirubin had an increased serum concentration. This study suggests impairment on the functionality and the integrity of the liver on administration of Oral contraceptives over a long period, dose dependent and a possible distortion in platelet function. The biliary system of the liver however may not be altered.