Biochemical Effects of Tramadol Administration on Total Protein, Albumin and Globulin During Sub-Chronic Alcoholic Beverage (Lager beer) Consumption in Wistar Rats

The study investigated Tramadol, a pain-relieving drug used for the management of moderate to severe pain in adults. When used continuously over a long period of time, in combination with substances like alcohol, or in overdose, it results in serious health challenges. This study is aimed at determining the biochemical effects of Tramadol administration during sub-chronic alcoholic beverage (lager beer) administration in mature Wistar rats. Twenty-four (24) male adult Wistar rats weighing an average of 120 g were obtained and divided into four groups of six rats each. Group one, the normal control, received 0.5 ml of water; group two received Tramadol (1.43 mg/kg b.w.); group three was given lager beer (34.29 ml/kg b.w.); and group four was given a combination of Tramadol + lager beer (1.43 mg/kg + 34.29 ml/kg b.w.) orally. The administration was done once daily for 21 days. At the end of the 21 days, the animals were fasted overnight, weighed, and anaesthetized using ketamine, then dissected. Blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture into plain tubes, allowed to stand for 2 hours, and centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10 minutes to obtain serum used for biochemical assays. The results obtained showed a reduction in growth and body weight increase in the administered groups compared to the control. Globulin and protein concentrations reduced in the Tramadol-only group, while albumin reduced in all the groups compared to the control. Significant increases in serum globulin levels were recorded in the groups treated with lager beer and Tramadol + lager beer compared to the group treated with Tramadol alone. In conclusion, the toxic effects of Tramadol are enhanced when administered in combination with sub-chronic alcoholic beverage (lager beer) administration in Wistar rats.