Abstract

EFFECT OF PERMETHRIN - IMPREGNATED BED NETS ON THE BIOSYNTHETIC FUNCTIONS OF THE LIVER

Aloh,G.S., *Obeagu,Emmanuel Ifeanyi, Odo Christian Emeka, Okpara,kingsley
Ezechukwu, Ogudo,Chioma Onyinye, Obeagu Getrude Uzoma,

Abstract

The effect of the Permethrin-treated bed nets (PTNs) on some biosynthetic functions of the liver was studied by measuring plasma total cholesterol, total protein, albumin and globulin of four volunteers after sleeping under the PTNs for 28 consecutive days. Prior to sleeping under the nets, their mean total plasma cholesterol was 183.50+6.75 mg/dl. Within the first two weeks of sleeping under the nets, their mean total plasma cholesterol level had risen to 238.75+25.22mg/dl amounting to 30.11% iincrease. In the next fourteen days, that is, on the 28th day, the cholesterol level dropped to the near pre-PTN-use-level of 187.50 +6.775mg/dl, amounting to a decrease of 22.30%. Within the first fourteen days of sleeping under under the nets too. The mean tolal plasma protein level also rose from 7.0010.90 g/dl before its use to 8.02±5.4 g/dl, that is, 15% in 14 days or 1.7% increase pay day. In the next 14 days, that is, the 28" day of the use of the nets, the mean total plasma protein level was lowered below its pre-PTN-use level. The mean plasma albumin level dropped from 4.90+0.41 g/dl before the use of the nets to 4.68+0.40 g/dl within the period. On the 28th day, the mean plasma albumin level rose, but it turned out to be higher than the initial value, 5.10+0.20 g/dl instead of the 4.90+41 g/dl prior to their sleeping under the nets. The mean total globulin level rose from pre-net use value of 2.10 +0.87 g/dl to 3.35 +0.30 g/dl after 14 days amounting to 1.25% of this substance. On the 28th day however, its mean level dropped drastically to 1.78+ 0.19 g/dl. These results indicate that the biosynthesis of cholesterol, protein generally but not aibumin and globulin were elevated as the use of the nets progressed, the biosyntheses of all but albumin reduced drastically and tended to normal. However the initial hypoalbuminaemia and subsequent hyperalbuminaemia are sources of worry.

Keywords: Permethrin-treated bed nets (PTNs), hypoalbuminaemia.