OXIDATIVE STRESS IN OVARIES OF FEMALE WISTAR RATS EXPOSED TO GEOPHAGIC CLAY (EKO)

The impacts of geophagy on reproductive health, especially the ovaries remain unexplored. The reproductive health of individuals (mostly pregnant women) may be impacted, by exposure to geophagic clay, as there is evidence to substantiate the presence of some contaminants in the studied geophagic clay. The ovary which is the site of production of female egg cells, in the female reproductive system can give useful information on the reproductive effects of this practice in exposed organisms. In this study, thirty-six (36) healthy adult female rats of the Wistar strain, were placed in six (6) groups, of six (6) animals each (A-F) and administered geophagic clay orally with gavage, for forty-two (42) days. Group (A) which served as the control group received feed and distilled water only. Groups (B-F) were administered (250, 500, 1000, 1500, and 2000) mg/kg bw geophagic clay dissolved in distilled water. Markers of oxidative stress were assessed. Histopathological examinations were also carried out on the ovaries. Comparison of the results obtained, by matching control group with the treatment groups, revealed that oxidative stress markers [superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA)] were elevated significantly (p < 0.05) mostly in the groups administered high doses (1000-2000 mg/kg bw) of geophagic clay. There was a marked depletion (p < 0.05) in reduced glutathione (GSH) level (2000 mg/kg bw). Histopathological examination of the ovaries revealed slight alterations in the anatomic features predominantly in the group administered the highest dose (2000 mg/kg bw). This finding infers possible toxicity in the ovaries especially when geophagic clay is consumed in high concentrations. This implies that geophagic clay may cause a redox imbalance in the ovary, altering female reproductive function, especially when consumed in high doses.