Potassium bromate content of selected bread samples in Ilorin, Central Nigeria and its effect on some enzymes of rat liver and kidney

Bread samples from five different locations (Gaa-Akanbi, Saw-Mill, Oloje, Fate-Basin and Zango) in Ilorin metropolis, Central Nigeria were analyzed for their potassium bromate content before they were employed as a source of carbohydrate in the formulation of diet for albino rats. A total of sixty (60) albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) were grouped into six (6) of ten (10) rats each. The rats in the first group served as control and they were placed on diet formulated with bromate-free bread. Animals in Groups 2–6 were placed on diet formulated with bread samples obtained from the five different locations in Ilorin metropolis. At the expiration of thirty (30) days feeding period, the animals were sacrificed and blood samples, liver and kidney tissues were collected for the assay of ALP, AST and ALT activities. The results showed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the activities of these enzymes in the tissues when compared with the control. However, a significant increase (p < 0.05) was observed in the activities of the selected serum enzymes. Overall, the data indicate adverse effects on the liver and kidney of rats fed on diet containing potassium bromate.