Allium cepa Juice Ameliorate Maternal Dexamethasoneinduced Alteration in Lipid Profile and Oxidative Stress in the Liver of Male Offspring of Wistar Rats

Abstract

Maternal glucocorticoid administration during lactation has an effect on metabolic imbalance. This study examines the effect of 
Allium cepa Lin on maternal dexamethasone-induced alteration in lipid profile and oxidative stress in the liver of the male 
offspring of Wistar rats. Twenty female Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n=5) during lactation. Group 1 was 
administered subcutaneously 0.05ml/kg/day normal saline from days 1-21. Group 2 was administered 30% onion mixed diet 
from lactation days 1-21. Group 3 was administered subcutaneously 100µg/kg/day dexamethasone from lactation days 1-21. 
Group 4 was administered subcutaneously 100µg/Kg/day dexamethasone (dex) for 21 days + 30% onion mixed diet throughout 
lactation. Results from this study showed that dexamethasone treatment during lactation significantly (p<0.05) reduced the body 
weight, HDL-cholesterol, hepatic catalase and SOD activities of the male offspring. There was also a significant (p<0.05) 
increase in hepatic MDA, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and TAG when compared with the control. Meanwhile maternal 
exposure to dexamethasone and 30% onion mixed diet significantly (p<0.05) raised the serum HDl-cholesterol level, Hepatic 
SOD and catalase activities. The serum LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol and TAG were reduced in the male offspring when 
compared with the dexamethasone-only treated group. Findings from this study suggest that maternal consumption of 30% onion 
mixed diet may ameliorate the metabolic alterations induced in the male offspring following maternal treatment with 
dexamethasone during lactation in Wistar rats.