ASSESSMENT OF CUMULATIVE TOXIC EFFECT OF CHLOROFORM AND XYLENE ON MICE

Abstract

Background and aim: Many volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are considered pollutants. They are widely used as constituents of household chemicals and industries. Chloroform (CLF) is present in drinking water as a byproduct of disinfection. Xylene is widely used in industry and medical laboratory as a solvent. The present study explores the cumulative toxicity of chloroform and xylene in mice under different conditions. Methods: Adult Swiss albino mice (6 mice/time subgroup) were used in the study: chloroform and xylene were dissolved in corn oil, and injected intraperitoneally. Chloroform treated groups received single injection (150 mg CLF/kg bw.), and mice were followed for 5, 24, 48, 96 and 136 hrs. Xylene treated mice were given two similar doses 24 hours apart (0.37, 0.50, 0.62 and 0.75 mg xylene/kg), and blood was taken after 30 hrs. Results: of the subgroups were compared to their matching controls (injected intraperitoneally with corn oil). Blood analysis included blood picture, liver enzymes, renal function markers, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and total anti-oxidant capacity (TAC). Chloroform and xylene caused marked increase in liver enzymes, renal markers, AFP, and white blood cells, accompanied by anemia and a decrease in TAO. The effects were augmented by time and dose for CLF and xylene respectively. Conclusion: chloroform and xylene are toxic to mice, and affect the blood, liver and kidneys. The toxicity increases with time for chloroform, and dose for xylene. Key words: volatile organic compound, total anti-oxidant capacity, alpha-fetoprotein.