Biochemical and histopathological assessment of transgenic cowpea in male Wistar rats

Cowpea is one of the most consumed legumes in Africa. Recombinant DNA technology has been used to insert foreign genes into plants genome thereby creating a new generation with desired traits. Such possess improved seed quality, yield and resistance pests pathogens. The aim this work assess safety profile an variety cowpea by examining its effect on liver kidney.Native cowpea, IT89KD, were fed Wistar rats which divided 3 groups. One group was poultry feed 50% native second while control standard rat chow. At end 40 days feeding period, varieties found have higher protein content than normal variety. Also, there elevation following enzymes, Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Aspartate transaminase (AST) bilirubin presence black arrowheads inflammation kidneys Genetically Modified(GM)cowpea observed. This suggests that caution should be applied use GM as for food man.