Journal of Clinical Toxicology
Open Access

Abstract

Reproductive: Hepatic, and Renal Toxicity Induced by Low Doses of N-Hexane in Male Wistar Rats after Sub-Chronic Oral Exposure

Imane Bouakkaz*, Kamel Khelili and Tarek Rebai

The research done on toxicity caused by oral exposure to n-hexane is rare to find, as opposed to those that study exposure by inhalation. The oral toxic effects caused in regarding the solvent n-hexane on the male hormonal, reproductive system, hepatic, and renal functions after sub-chronic exposure were conducted on male Wistar rats at low doses of 300, 600, and 1200 mg/kg respectively. This study was conducted each day for eight weeks and compared the control group and the positive control group. The toxicity observed was characterized by significant increases in the relative weight of the liver and kidneys. Moreover, the evaluation of the effects of n-hexane on the biochemical parameters was marked by an increase in serum levels of transaminases hepatic, renal functions, serum creatinine, uric acid, and urea levels, as well as an increase in tissue levels of testicular, hepatic, and renal GSH. While the level of glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides decreased significantly, we also noted that n-hexane caused a significant decrease in sperm concentration and mobility; an insignificant decrease in testosterone with an insignificant increase in the Luteinizing Hormone (LH). On the histological and histochemical profile, tissue damage in testicles, liver, and kidneys was observed in rats treated with n-hexane. When compared to the control group and to the positive control group, this confirmed the biochemical observations. Our results prove that oral exposure to even just low doses of n-hexane will cause physiological damage in the body.

Published Date: 2024-05-23; Received Date: 2024-04-22