Alterations in Hepatocellular, Reproductive, and Oxidative Stress Parameters in Female Albino Rats Exposed to Crude Oil

Aim: To study the effect of exposure to crude oil on the liver, ovary, and some oxidative stress parameters in albino rats.

Study Design: A total of 50 female albino rats were used in the experiment. The rats were grouped into three: The control group which consisted of 10 rats, the low dose group which consisted of 20 rats, and the high dose group also consisted of 20 rats. The low dosage group was orally administered 1.5 mL crude oil mixed with 300 grams of rat feeds (0.005 mL/g) and the high dosage group was orally administered 3.0 mL crude oil mixed with 300 grams of rat feeds (0.01mL/g), while the control group was fed with normal rat feeds. The treated feeds were given once a day for 35 days.

Place of Study: The study was carried out in the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Methodology: On the 36th day, the rats were sacrificed and then 5mL of blood from each rat was collected by cardiac puncture into labeled lithium heparin bottles for liver enzymes assay, hormonal assay, and oxidative stress parameters assay, while the livers and ovaries were harvested and fixed in 10% formal saline before tissue processing and histological examinations using H&E staining technique. The collected blood specimens were spun; the plasma was extracted and analyzed in the laboratory for Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), follicle Stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), Prolactin, Malondialdyde (MDA), and Superoxide dismutase (SOD). Statistical analysis was performed using Graphpad prism version 8.02.

Results: Significantly higher plasma levels of AST, ALT, and MDA in the treated groups, except for ALP which was only significantly higher in the high-dose group. FSH, LH, Prolactin, and SOD indicated significantly lower levels in the crude oil-treated rats. The histological examinations showed marked distortion in the architecture of the livers and ovaries of the treated groups, also, there was a reduction in ovarian cellularity and massive degenerated tissues.

Conclusion: It is shown that exposure to crude oil contaminants orally could have a significant effect on the plasma level of hepatocellular enzymes, reproductive hormones, and oxidative stress parameters which in turn could lead to hepatocellular dysfunction, infertility, or impaired reproduction in mammals and cellular injuries caused by excess free radicals as signaled by plasma level of oxidative stress parameters.