project material on: EFFECT OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION ON SOME HEPATIC FUNCTIONS OF ALBINO RATS
EFFECT OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION ON SOME HEPATIC FUNCTIONS OF ALBINO RATS
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Alcohol consumption has been a significant aspect of human culture for centuries, with both social and health implications. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2018), alcohol use is a major contributor to the global burden of disease, leading to various health complications, including liver diseases, cardiovascular problems, and neurological disorders. The liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing alcohol, and excessive consumption can lead to detrimental effects on hepatic functions. Research has shown that alcohol metabolism generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can induce oxidative stress and liver damage (Choudhury et al., 2020).
Studies indicate that chronic alcohol intake can lead to fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis (Friedman et al., 2021). The liver's ability to detoxify harmful substances, synthesize proteins, and produce biochemicals necessary for digestion can be severely impaired due to excessive alcohol consumption. Specifically, the effect of alcohol on hepatic functions such as enzyme activities, lipid metabolism, and liver histology has gained significant attention in recent years (Thompson et al., 2022).
Research utilizing animal models, such as albino rats, is essential in understanding the pathophysiological effects of alcohol on liver functions. Albino rats are commonly used in experimental studies due to their genetic homogeneity, short life cycle, and well-characterized physiology (Banafsheh et al., 2019). Previous studies involving albino rats have provided insights into the hepatotoxic effects of alcohol, including alterations in liver enzyme levels, histopathological changes, and biochemical markers associated with liver function (Olowofela et al., 2021).
Recent investigations have focused on identifying the specific hepatic functions affected by alcohol consumption, particularly enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), which are critical indicators of