EFFECT OF DERMAL BENZENE ON LIVER FUNCTION IN FEMALE WISTAR RAT

ABSTRACT Benzene is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant. It is a volatile organic compound heavily used in commercial and industrial processes. Benzene is a known toxic substance that can have adverse effects on various organs, including the liver. When applied dermally, benzene may be absorbed into the bloodstream and eventually reach the liver, where it can cause damage. This study examine the influence of dermal benzene exposure on liver function in female wistar rats, with an unexpected effect of decreased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level. A total of 20 female Wistar rats were obtained, weighing between 176-286g, were housed in rats plastic cages divided into 4 groups each consisting of five(5) rats in which three groups (group 1,2 and 3) were placed on 5% (280mg/kg), 10% (560 mg/kg) and 20% (1120 mg/kg) LD50 of dermal administration and the control group (group 4) was given only feed and water. The rats were acclimatized for 9 days and then toxicant were introduced to them for 9 days, the rats were being observed during the process. The liver was extracted, weighed, and minced into small pieces of 0.5g, then homogenized by a homogenizer with a homogenizing buffer that was prepared in the laboratory. The homogenate was centrifuged for 15 mins at 4000 rpm and the supernatant was separated from the residue which was then used to perform MDA assay, Total protein, Total Albumin and ALT assay. The result of Total Globulin was computed from total protein and albumin. The results were analyzed using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by student T-test using Graphpad prism 9.5.1 software. The analysis of data from the study indicate that benzene exposure led to decreased in liver function parameters with a decrease in the liver-body weight ratio (p value = 0.1167), elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p value = 0.7476). There was an observed increase in total protein (p value = 0.7114) and total globulin (p value = 0.1297) while there was a decrease in total albumin (p value = 0.7127). Histopathological examination of liver tissue revealed minimal inflammation and necrosis in the experimental group, contrasting with the typical impact of benzene exposure on liver health . The decreased in ALT suggest a potential adaptive mechanism or altered metabolic response to benzene exposure in this specific cohort of animals. In conclusion, the study of dermal benzene exposure on liver function in female wistar rats has provided valuable insights into the complex impact of this environment toxin.The unexpected finding of decreased alanine aminotransferase (ALT)levels in the exposed group raises intriguing question about the adaptive responses and metabolic alteration induced by benzene exposure.