Effect of an Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor (Captopril) on Liver and Kidney Function Parameters in Plasmodium berghei-Infected Mice

Aim: This study was carried out to investigate the effect of captopril on serum liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and ALP), total serum protein and kidney function parameters such as electrolytes (HCO3-, Cl-, Na+, and K+), urea and creatinine in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice.

Methodology: A total of 40 apparently healthy mice were randomly divided into five groups of 8 mice each; normal control group (not infected, not treated), malaria control (malaria-infected, not treated), standard control (malaria-infected, treated with 0.03 mg/kg of standard drug, Arthemeter 20 mg + Lumefantrine 120 mg), group 4 (malaria-infected, treated with 0.03 mg/kg of captopril) and group 5 (malaria-infected, treated with 0.09 mg/kg of captopril). The mice were treated for 14 days and parasitemia level monitored every other day. On the 15th day, mice were sacrificed and blood obtained to determine serum liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and ALP), total protein, serum electrolyte (HCO3-, Cl-, Na+, and K+), urea and creatinine levels.

Results: There was a significant increase (P<.05) in the % parasitemia, serum liver enzymes, urea, creatinine, and K+ after induction of malaria. This decreased significantly (P<.05) when mice were treated with 0.03 mg/kg of standard drug and 0.09 mg/kg of captopril compared to mice treated with 0.03 mg/kg of captopril and malaria control mice. However, serum total protein, Na+, K+, and Cl- decreased significantly (P<.05) in the malaria control group but increased significantly (P<.05) when treated with 0.03 mg/kg of standard drug and 0.09 mg/kg captopril compared to mice treated with 0.03 mg/kg of captopril.

Conclusion: This study has shown that captopril, at high concentration may be beneficial against malaria infection and renal disorders.