Tubular Necrosis, Acid-Base and Electrolyte Abnormalities Associated with Gasoline Vapour-induced Nephrotoxicity

Abstract

Christopher Edet Ekpenyong, Daniel Emmanuel Otokpa

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the effect of exposure to gasoline vapor (GV) on the histomorphology and biochemical markers of renal function in rats.

Methods: Twenty-four mature Wistar Albino rats weighing 180–200 g were randomly divided into two groups (n = 12 per group). Animals in group 1 (G1) served as unexposed controls, while animals in group 2 (G2) were exposed to GV for 35 days. At the end of the exposure, the animals were sacrificed, and blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis while the kidneys were removed and processed for histopathological evaluation.

Results: Serum biochemical markers of renal function in the exposed group differed significantly (p< 0.05) from the unexposed group in urea (45.16 ± 1.00mg/dl versus(vs) 13.20 ± 0.69 mg/dl), creatinine (1.16 ± 0.27mg/dl vs 0.38 ± 0.10mg/dl), uric acid (3.66 ± 0.82mmol/L vs 1.96 ± 0.08mmol/L), potassium (6.90 ± 0.27mmol/L vs 3.57 ± 0.26mmol/L), sodium (182.60 ± 3.21mmol/L vs 141.33 ± 10.46mmol/L), chloride (119.00 ± 1.58mmol/L vs 103.33 ± 2.07mmol/L), pH (6.82 ± 0.22 vs 7.38 ± 0.25), bicarbonate (16.60 ± 5.03mmol/L vs 26.50 ± 3.45mmol/L), and glucose (125.60 ± 16.23mg/ dl vs 83.33 ± 4.46mg/dl). Histopathological examination of kidney sections revealed areas of degenerative and necrotic changes in the glomerulus, tubules, and renal vasculature, particularly in the cortical portion of the kidney.

Conclusion: Chronic exposure to gasoline compounds may be associated with significant structural and biochemical derangements in kidney function.

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