Manuscript 2: Hematological Changes Induced by Smoked Fish Extract in Albino Rats

This study aimed to investigate the hematological changes induced by smoked fish extract in albino rats, focusing on the effects of chronic exposure to smoked fish contaminants.A total of 20 male albino rats, weighing 180-220 g, were divided into four groups: a control group and three treatment groups receiving smoked fish extract at doses of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg body weight.The extract was administered intraperitoneally for 28 days.Hematological parameters, including red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, hematocrit (Hct), white blood cell (WBC) count, platelet count, and differential leukocyte count, were measured at the end of the treatment period.Results indicated significant dose-dependent alterations in hematological parameters.In the high-dose group (200 mg/kg), RBC count decreased from 6.2 10 cells/L in controls to 5.1 10 cells/L, and Hb concentration decreased from 14.5 g/dL in controls to 12.1 g/dL.Hematocrit levels also showed a decline, with values dropping from 43% in controls to 38% in the high-dose group.WBC count showed an increase from 6,000 cells/L in controls to 9,500 cells/L in the high-dose group, indicating possible inflammatory responses.Platelet count remained relatively stable across the treatment groups, although slight fluctuations were observed in the medium and high-dose groups.Differential leukocyte analysis revealed a significant increase in neutrophil count in the high-dose group, suggesting an acute phase response.These hematological changes, particularly the decrease in RBC count and Hb concentration, are indicative of mild anemia induced by smoked fish extract.The observed leukocytosis and neutrophilia in the high-dose group suggest an inflammatory response.The results suggest that prolonged consumption of smoked fish, potentially contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals, and biogenic amines, may pose risks to hematological health.Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these changes and to assess the long-term impacts of such exposure.