Mitigation of Biochemical Changes Resulting from Naphthalene and Anthracene on Rats

Abstract

Background: In recent years, efforts intensified in universities and research centers to develop and encourage research related to the use of natural compounds that prevent the toxic effects resulting from the use of chemical compounds, among these compounds "phytochemicals,” multiple vitamins, and antioxidants. Anthracene and naphthalene are ubiquitous environmental contaminants formed during the incomplete combustion of organic material. Some of their metabolites are known to be toxic and carcinogenic. Aim: The current study was designed to achieve the following objectives; to elucidate the toxic effect of anthracene and naphthalene, and to study the protective effect of vitamins and antioxidants supplementations on the liver, kidneys, lungs, blood picture, and oxidative stress. Methods: In the anthracene groups, the first group, rats were injected intramuscularly with 0.1 ml sunflower once/week, for 24 weeks, the second group, rats were injected intramuscularly with anthracene 0.1 ml (2.2 mg/ml) once/week. The third group, rats were injected with anthracene as group two, and were given multivitamins + antioxidants 0.1 ml (16.6mg/ml) administered by gavage twice a week, through-out the experimental period. Six rats were sacrificed after 5, 12, and 24 weeks. In the naphthalene groups, the first group, saline was given to rats by gastric gavages 0.1 ml once/week for 30 days. the second group, naphthalene was administered to each rat by gastric gavages at doses 0.1ml (2.77 mg/ml) once /week, for 30 days, In the third group, the naphthalene treated groups were given multivitamins + antioxidants 0.1 ml (16.6 mg/ml) administered by gavage twice a week, through-out the experimental period, six rats were sacrificed after 10 and 30 days. The target liver, kidney, and lung tissues were excised for histopathological examination. Blood collection from the eyes was used for the biochemical analysis. Results: Both chemicals were toxic to rats, and their toxicity augmented by the increase in doses. Biochemical analysis revealed impaired liver function, renal function, abnormal blood picture, and an increase in tumor markers and total antioxidant capacity. Supplementation with a commercial mixture of vitamins and antioxidants ameliorated these toxic effects. Conclusion: The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons anthracene and naphthalene induced toxicities in the liver, kidney, and lungs of rats. These toxic effects intensified with the increase in the PAH doses. Continuous supplementation with commercial multivitamins and antioxidant mixtures protected the animals from the PAH