Effects of Kaempferol on oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Goats Experimentally Infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei

Abstract

The effects of kaempferol on biomarkers of oxidative Stress in goats with experimental Trypanosoma brucei brucei infection was evaluated. Thirty-six 1 year old goats both sexes weighing between 18 and 22 kilograms (kg) were randomly divided into 6 groups (I, II, III, IV, V and VI). Goats in group I were neither treated nor infected (un-infected, normal control). Goats in group II were pre-treated prophylactically with kaempferol (1 mg/kg per os) for 14 days prior to infection. Goats in groups II to VI each were inoculated with blood containing Trypanosoma brucei brucei (106 trypanosomes/ml of blood/animal) intravenous (I.V). Following detection of parasitaemia, goats in group III were treated once with diminazene aceturate (3.5 mg/kg) I.P only. Goats in group IV were treated with diminazene aceturate (3.5 mg/kg) once I.V, and then continued with kaempferol (1 mg/kg per os) for 9 days. Goats in group V were treated with kaempferol (1 mg/kg per os) only for 9 days. Goats in group VI were given normal saline (5 ml/kg per os) only for 9 days. The stress induced by Trypanosoma brucei brucei was assessed by determining the serum level of malondialdehyde and antioxidant enzymes on day 9 post-infection. The results obtained showed significant (P < 0.05) increase in the serum level of malondialdehyde in groups II and VI when compared to groups III, IV and V. Antioxidant enzymes; superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase increased significantly (P < 0.05) in groups III, IV and V when compared to groups II and VI. In conclusion, kaempferol possesses antitrypanosomal activity and probably due to its ability to scavenge free radicals generated during the course of infection and boost goats immunity.