The increasing informal abuse of Lacatomtom (LTT), a mixture of tomtom candies and Lacasera beverage, represents a growing public health concern in Nigeria, yet scientific investigation into its precise effects on oxidative stress marker is scarce.The brain is highly vulnerable to oxidative stress due to its high metabolic rate, oxygen consumption, and rich polyunsaturated fatty acid composition. Oxidative stress, an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and antioxidant defences, can lead to cellular damage and neurodegeneration. Key brain antioxidants include superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and reduced glutathione (GSH). Monitoring malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, a marker for lipid peroxidation, is crucial for assessing neurotoxicity.This study evaluated the effects of oral LTT consumption on brain oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme responses in Wistar rats. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control (distilled water), LTT, Lacasera, and Tomtom in water. Samples were orally administered once daily for 30 days. Brain tissue was analyzed for MDA, SOD, CAT, GSH, and GPX using standard methods.LTT significantly elevated brain MDA levels, indicating increased lipid peroxidation, and concurrently upregulated SOD, CAT, GSH, and GPX activity. This suggests significant brain oxidative stress, with compensatory antioxidant responses that were insufficient to prevent damage. Lacasera alone also contributed to elevated MDA, with aspartame identified as a potential primary driver. Tomtom in water showed a milder oxidative stress profile. The complete LTT mixture induced the most pronounced oxidative stress, accompanied by the strongest compensatory antioxidant response, suggesting synergistic or additive neurotoxic effects.In conclusion, oral LTT consumption significantly induces brain oxidative stress in Wistar rats. The complete LTT mixture exhibits more pronounced neurotoxic effects than its individual components, suggesting synergistic actions. This brain oxidative stress is linked to LTT's psychoactive properties and documented multi-organ toxicity, highlighting its serious public health threat.
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