Effects of excravos light crude oil on liver enzyme markers activity and malondialdehyde levels of rats

Abstract

Chibuike Samuel Ubani, Obinna Aru Oje, Isaac Oge-Chukwu

Crude oil has been implicated in causing many physiological effects when it is ingested directly or indirectly. The effects of ingesting varying concentrations of Excravos light crude oil on the activity of some liver marker enzymes and lipid peroxidation was studied in rats. The experiment was carried out for two weeks. Albino rats (n-24) were grouped into six of four rats per group in five different concentrations of the crude oil (0.1%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75% and 1.00%) per body kg, which were administered by oral intubation, leaving out the last group as the control. The rats were fed on normal diet and water ad libitum.From the results, the malondialdehyde (MDA) level increased significantly (p<0.05) as the concentration of the crude oil increased in both days 7 and 14; indicating increased risks of lipid peroxidation and consequent rise in oxidative stress at high concentration of ingested crude oil. The effect of crude oil on liver function was also ascertained as indicated by a significant increase in the activities of some liver marker enzymes (AST and ALT) at low concentration of crude oil (0.10%) per body weight (Kg). Observed difference inthe activities of ALP across the groups for days 7 and 14 was not statistically significant (p>0.05). These results are indicative of cases of increased lipid peroxidation during long term accumulation of ingested crude oil and a consequent emergence of serious hepatotoxic effects amongst other haematological effects.