Asian Journal of Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

HIV/AIDS is a condition in human in which the immune system begins to fail, leading to life threatening opportunistic infections. This study investigated the effect of first and second line fixed-dose combination (FDC) antiretroviral drugs on some biochemical parameters in Wistar rats. Thirty-five (35) male Wistar rats (Raths Novegicus) were divided into seven (7) experimental groups (A, B₁, B₂, C₁, C₂, D₁ and D₂). Group A received normal rat pellet and clean water. Group B₁ received 17.14 mg/kgbwt/24h of fixed-dose EFV/3TC/TDF as first line regimen for 15 days, while Group B₂ received same regimen for 30 days. Group C₁ received 6.43 mg/kgbwt/12h of fixed-dose 3TC/ZDVt3.57 mg/kgbwt/12h of LPV/r as second line regimen for fifteen (15) days, while Group C₂ received same regimen for 30 days. Group D₁ received first line regime for 30 days then switched to second line regimen for 15 days (a total of 45 days), while Group D₂ received first line regime for 30 days, then switched to second line regimen for another 30 days (a total of 60 days). First and second line regimens showed significant change (P<0.05) in serum level of hepatic parameters observed in 15, 30 and 45 days, while animals treated for 60 days was insignificant (P>0.05) in all the parameters compared to control. Non-significant change (P>0.05) was observed in renal indices of rats treated with these regimens, while significant increase (P<0.05) First and second line FDC antiretroviral drugs exerted toxic effect on hepatic in rats; however repeated dose at long term use may be tolerated.