EFFECT OF MATERNAL GESTATIONAL EXPOSURE TO ULTRAVIOLET-A ON NEONATAL HEPATIC IMMUNOLOGICAL FUNCTION IN WISTAR RATS

ABSTRACT Background: Ultraviolet-A (UVA) radiation is the most prevalent form of solar UV radiation reaching Earth. This study examined the impact of maternal gestational UVA exposure on neonatal hepatic immune and antioxidant function in Wistar rats. Methods: Ten pregnant Wistar rats were assigned to either a control or UVA-exposed group. The experimental group was exposed to UVA radiation (2.31 W/m²) from gestational day 1–21 using F15W/350BL-T8 lamps. On postnatal day 10, offspring were assessed for body weight, liver weight, and plasma levels of CRP, IL-1β, total protein, albumin, globulin, SOD, CAT, and GPx. Liver tissues were processed for histological evaluation. Data were analyzed using t-test at p < 0.05. Results: While birth and postnatal weights were unaffected, liver weight was significantly reduced in the UVA group. Globulin levels increased, catalase activity decreased, and IL-1β levels were significantly suppressed. Other parameters showed non-significant changes. Histology revealed hepatocellular degeneration, vascular congestion, and mild inflammation in the exposed group. Conclusion: Continuous maternal UVA exposure during gestation may impair neonatal liver development and alter immune and antioxidant responses, potentially affecting early-life hepatic health. Keywords: UVA radiation, maternal exposure, neonatal liver, Wistar rats, immune response, antioxidant enzymes, oxidative stress, interleukin-1β, catalase, globulin, histology, hepatic development.