Hematological and Biochemical Response to Methyl Mercury Toxicity and the Ameliorative Effect of Quercetin Flavonoid in Wistar Rats

Background: This study aims to assess the hepatonephrotoxicity of Methylmercurry (MeHg) through hematological and biochemical changes. Furthermore, it also aims to assess the amoleraitive role of flavonoid quercetin (QCT) in reducing such deleterious effects. Methods: In this study, 36 male Wistar rats were assigned into six equal groups as follows: The control group received normal saline orally (G I); QCT-treated group was given 50 mg/kg BW QCT (G II); MeHg low-exposed group was given 5 mg/kg BW (G III); MeHg high-exposed group was given 6.7 mg/kg BW MeHg (G IV); MeHg low + (50 mg/kg) QCT-cotreated group (G V) and MeHg high + (50 mg/kg) QCT-cotreated group (G VI) for 21 days. Result: It was found out that MeHg exposure resulted in hematological and biochemical changes. Concurrent administration of QCT with MeHg intoxication at both levels partially modulated the recorded deleterious influences. The body weight of experimental animals has reduced significantly in all groups compared with the control group. Hemoglobin and hematocrit were reduced in animals given high and low doses of MeHg and improved with the addition of QCT. WBCs were increased with the administration of MeHg and reduced with QCT addition. Hepato-renal involvement was indicated by the increase in the liver enzymes, bilirubin, creatinine and BUN levels, which were reduced with the administration of QCT. Increased glucose levels in animals that received MeHg were reduced with QCT administration.