Effect of Benzodiazepine on Liver and Kidney Functions Parameters

A benzodiazepine; often abbreviated "BZD" is a psychoactive drug with a core chemical structure of a benzene ring and a diazepine ring. Benzodiazepines enhance the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the GABA receptor, resulting in sedative, hyp-notic (sleep-inducing), anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant properties. The present study investigates the effect of long-term administration of diazepam on liver and kidney function parameters using adult male rats. The rats were grouped into five groups (GI – GV) of five rats each. GI served as normal control, GII, GIII, GIV and GV were administered with 0.25g/kg, 0.50g/kg, 0.75g/kg and 1.0g/kg body weight respectively for twelve weeks. The animals were euthanized 24 hours after the last diazepam administration, blood samples were collected for assessment of liver and kidney function indices. A significant (p<0.05) increase in liver enzymes (ALT, AST and ALP), Urea and Creatinine with a significant decrease (p<0.05) in Albumin in a dose dependent pattern compared to the normal control. The study established that long term usage of benzodiapine drugs could lead to liver and kidney failure and it should be used with caution.