Toxicological Evaluation of Hepatic, Renal and Oxidative Stress Parameters in Xylene Treated Wistar Rats

This study investigated the dose-dependent toxicological effects of subacute xylene exposure on hepatic, renal, and oxidative stress parameters in Wistar rats. Forty adult male rats were divided into ten groups (n=6). The normal control group (Group 1) received distilled water, while Groups 2 to 10 were administered increasing doses of xylene (0.125 to (7 mL/kg) body weight) via oral gavage for 28 days. Significant mortality was observed, with all animals in groups receiving ≥ (3 mL/kg) succumbing before the study concluded, limiting biochemical analysis to Groups 1-5 (0- (1 mL/kg)). Xylene exposure induced severe, dose-dependent hepatotoxicity, evidenced by significant elevation in serum ALT, AST, ALP, and total bilirubin, alongside decreased total protein and albumin. Nephrotoxicity was indicated by increased urea and creatinine levels and a significant disruption in electrolyte and acid-base homeostasis. Mechanistically, a significant depletion of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx) and a rise in lipid peroxidation (MDA) were observed in both liver and kidney tissues, implicating oxidative stress as a central pathway of toxicity. The results provide evidence that xylene induces multi-organ toxicity primarily through an oxidative mechanism, culminating in organ failure and mortality at higher doses. These findings highlight a substantial occupational health risk and underscore the need for stringent exposure control measures.