Endogenous intoxication and morpho-functional changes in the liver during experimental acute generalized peritonitis in diabetic rats

<b>Objective.</b> The study aims to evaluate the severity of endogenous intoxication and characterize morpho-functional liver changes during experimental acute generalized peritonitis (AGP) in diabetic rats. <b>Methods.</b> Fifty-six adult male Wistar rats were used, including 8 controls and 48 males with experimental pathology. Diabetes mellitus was induced by an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). On day 14, AGP was induced by i.p. injection of a 10% filtered fecal suspension. Endogenous intoxication was assessed by measuring hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecular products in the blood. Liver function was evaluated by serum aminotransferase activity, total protein, and protein fractions. Histological analysis of liver tissue was performed using standard hematoxylin-eosin staining. <b>Results.</b> A progressive increase in endogenous intoxication was observed peaking on day 7. This was marked by a significant elevation in middle molecular weight molecule (MMWM) concentrations at wavelengths of 254 nm and 280 nm by 103.0% (p<0.001) and 340.0% (p<0.001), respectively. The erythrocyte intoxication index (EII) increased by 148.8% (p<0.001) compared to controls. Concurrently, aminotransferase activity increased, while serum total protein and albumin levels decreased. Histologically, inflammatory infiltration and vascular congestion were evident on day 1 progressing to hepatocellular dystrophy and necrosis by day 3. By day 7, signs of hepatic failure were present including disruption of trabecular architecture, hydropic degeneration, intra-cellular cholestasis, and portal tract expansion due to vascular hyperemia. <b>Conclusions.</b> Experimental acute generalized peritonitis in diabetic rats resulted in a pronounced endogenous intoxication accompanied by progressive morpho-functional liver damage culminating in hepatic insufficiency by day 7.