Effects of Subacute Exposure to Diesel and Burnt Tire Fumes on the Liver of Wistar Rats

Background: Concerns associated with uncontrolled combustion of petroleum-related products for local agricultural benefits have been emerging in most parts of Nigeria thereby posing health issues for humans living around affected areas. Aim: The present study examined the sub-acute effects of exposure to diesel and burnt tire fumes on the liver of Wistar rats. Methods: Thirty adult male Wistar rats were divided into three groups containing ten each. The first group was regarded as the control group (exposed to clean air); the second group was exposed to Nigerian D6-diesel fumes while the final group was exposed to burnt tire fumes. The exposures were conducted in well-ventilated chambers for 4 hours daily for 14 days. After exposure, the rats were sacrificed and their blood samples were collected for analysis. Results: Compared to the control group, there were significant rises in the concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, total protein, albumin, and total bilirubin in the exposed groups. There were substantial declines in the levels of reduced glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase, and elevations in malondialdehyde levels in both the diesel-exposed and burnt tire groups. Significant reductions in the levels of packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, and red blood cell count, as well as elevations in white blood cell and platelet counts in exposed groups. Mild histopathological changes in the liver were observed in the exposed groups. Conclusion: Sub-acute exposure to both diesel and burnt tire fumes impacted proper liver functioning by causing significant fluctuations in the levels of expression of antioxidant enzymes, liver profile markers, and hematological profile of Wistar rats.