Perturbations in immune parameters Following Exposure to Manihot esculenta (Cassava)

Abstract

Abstract Cassava roots provide important sources of energy-rich food for millions of people. It is rich in two toxic cyanogenic glycosides. The study aimed to assess the impact of cyanide-containing food (Cassava) on hematological and histological parameters in experimental rats. Freshly prepared cassava products (fried garri and cassava paste) were obtained. Thirty-five (35) inbred male Swiss Rattus norvegicus were used for the study. There were two major animal groups, each divided into four other subgroups that contained five rats each. Subgroups were designated as A (only cassava form administration), B (cassava form and immunosuppressor), H (1mg/kg KCN), and I (only feed and water). All subgroups B received cyclophosphamide as a single dose on the 9th day. Animals were sacrificed on the 14th day. The data were analyzed using SPSS. Cyanide concentration was 133.16 ± 16.23 mg/kg in cassava paste and 59.40 ± 8.07 mg/kg in fresh fried garri. Results of white blood cell, red blood cell, monocyte, granulocyte, and neutrophil counts revealed lower levels in groups A, B, and H in rats exposed to freshly fried garri compared to group I. In rats exposed to fresh cassava paste, hematological parameters were similarly lower in groups A, B, and H compared to the normal control, where they were higher. When compared to the control group, there were various histological deformations observed in the liver, thymus, spleen, and kidney of the tested rat species like thickened centriole, adipose tissue, prominent dilated central artery, mild atrophic, and inflamed cells.