140COMPARATIVE EFFECT OF VITAMIN C AND HIGH CALCIUM DIET ON SOME SERUM BIO-MARKERS OF LIVER FUNCTION IN HIGH SALT LOADED RATSThis study compared the effect of vitamin C (Vit. C) and high calcium diet on serum biomarker of liver function (serum proteins, enzymes and bilirubin concentrations) in high salt loaded albino Wistar rats. Thirty albino Wistar rats (120- 200g b.w.) randomly assigned into 5 groups of 6 rats were fed with either normal rat feed; high salt diet (8% NaCl in feed and 1% NaCl in water); Vitamin C and/or high calcium diet for 6 weeks. Blood samples were collected from each animal via cardiac puncture for assessment of serum enzymes, proteins and bilirubin concentrations using standard methods. Results indicate that body weight change of the salt loaded groups was significantly decreased compared with control. Total protein and albumin concentrations were significantly (p<0.001) reduced in salt fed untreated group (SF) and salt + Vit. C + Ca group (SVCa) compared with control, salt + Vit. C (SVc) and salt + Ca (SCa) groups. Serum globulin increased significantly (p<0.05) in SCv and SCa compared with control, SF and SVCa, but was significantly (p<0.05) reduced in SVCa compared with other groups. Serum AST, ALT and ALP increased significantly (p<0.05) in all the test groups compared with control. AST and ALP levels in SVc and SVCa reduced significantly (p<0.05) compared with SF and SCa groups. Serum bilirubin levels were significantly (p<0.05) raised in the test groups compared with control, however, total and conjugated bilirubin levels in SCa and SVCa were significantly (p<0.05) reduced compared with SF and SVc. In conclusion, high salt load alters the levels of serum biomarker of liver functions, indicative of hepatic toxicity. Vit. C supplement was more effective in ameliorating alterations in serum proteins, AST and ALP levels; while high calcium diet was more effective in tackling alterations in bilirubin level occasioned by high salt loading in rats.ofemo2003@yahoo.comResearch722017Calcium diet, Vitamin C,Salt,Serum enzymes,Proteins,BilirubinOfem E. Ofem,Augustine L. Udefa,Archibong N. Archibong,Gabriel O. UjongDepartment of Physiology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar- Nigeria.,Department of Physiology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar- Nigeria.,Department of Physiology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar- Nigeria.,Department of Physiology, Cross River University of Technology, Ogoja Campus, Nigeria.