Hepatotoxicity and Nephrotoxicity of Automobile Gas Oil (Diesel Oil) and Its Biochemical Effect on Hematological and Oxidative Stress Parameters in Wistar Male Albino Rats.

Aims: The study was designed to investigate the hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of automobile gas oil (Diesel oil) and its biochemical effect on hematological and oxidative stress parameters in Wistar male albino rats. Methodology: Preliminary toxicity study to determine the volume of diesel oil that could cause toxicity was carried out using 56 healthy albino rats. Another set of 20 albino rats were grouped into two groups and used for the biochemical analysis. Group I animals were the control group and Group II animals were administered with 1 ml of diesel oil per kg body weight. The hematological parameters were determined using BC-3200 Auto Hematology Analyzer. Liver injuries were measured in the plasma using AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, TP and TB Randox kits respectively. Liver histopathological examination was also determined. The oxidative stress parameters assayed in the liver homogenate were TBARS, SOD, CAT and GSH. Kidney injuries were assayed using urea and creatinine Randox kits. Results: Preliminary toxicity study shows that group II albino rats exhibited changes in behavioural pattern such as salivation, respiratory distress, coma, sedation and death. The LD50 was calculated to be 2.5ml/Kg body weight of diesel oil. The results of this study show that WBC, lymphocyte and granulocyte values were significantly increased (P<0.05) in group II animals compared to group I animals. HGB, RBC and HCT values were significantly reduced (P<0.05) in the group administered with diesel oil compared to the healthy group. All the liver biomarker enzymes: AST, ALT, ALP and GGT were significantly increased (P<0.05) in group II rats compared to group I rats. The plasma TB values increased in group II animals while their plasma TP values significantly reduced (P<0.05) when compared to group I animals. Liver histopathological examination also confirmed that administration of diesel oil caused liver lesions in group II animals. Administration of diesel oil to group II rats caused significant reduction (P<0.05) in the activities of the enzymic antioxidants (SOD and CAT) and non enzymic antioxidant (GSH) values of the liver homogenate. The TBARS values were significantly high in group II rats compared to group I rats. These biochemical parameters (SOD, CAT, GSH and TBARS) indicate oxidative stress in animals administered with diesel oil. Conclusion: The results of this study show that administration of diesel oil is hematotoxic, its affects the liver, kidney and oxidative stress parameters.