Features of metabolic changes in the liver and kidneys of laboratory animals under the influence of aluminum hydroxide in a subacute experiment

Aluminum is a toxic metal for living systems. Aluminum accumulation is associated with damage to target organs: the liver and kidneys. The pollutant induces biochemical dysfunctions in the body, but the actual process is not fully understood. The purpose of the study was to evaluate metabolic changes in the liver and kidneys of laboratory animals after exposure to aluminum hydroxide in a subacute experiment. For 2 months, rats of three experimental groups received an aqueous solution of aluminum hydroxide daily orally in various doses. At the end of the experiment, the blood serum of experimental animals was used to conduct biochemical studies. The activity of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase was determined; content of total protein, albumin; levels of uric acid, urea and creatinine. It was found that subacute exposure to aluminum hydroxide in various doses significantly increased disturbances in the liver and kidneys of experimental animals, with concomitant changes in the level of indicator enzymes and metabolites. The toxic effects of aluminum are due to the formation of reactive oxygen species and the generation of free radicals. The accumulation of aluminum in the liver of experimental animals leads to damage to hepatocellular cells and the bile duct. Increased production of free radicals, along with decreased excretory capacity of the nephrons, contributes to functional changes in the kidneys.