Modulatory activities of polyphenols on crude acetylene-induced cardiac and hepatic dysfunctions in a rat model

Exposure to crude acetylene can occur in occupational settings. This study assessed the modulatory activities of selected polyphenols on the hematotoxic, cardiotoxic, and hepatotoxic effects of crude acetylene. Wistar rats were exposed to 58 000 ppm crude acetylene for 10 min at 12 h intervals for 30 days. Some exposed groups were treated with 50 mg/kg rutin, quercetin, gallic acid, or tannic acid. Indices of hematological disorder, oxidative stress, and cardiovascular and hepatocellular injuries were evaluated in animals. The results showed a decrease in the levels of hematological indices in crude acetylene-exposed animals except for white blood cell count which was increased. Decreased activity/level of reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase and ferric reducing antioxidant power with increased lipid peroxidation was observed in animals exposed to crude acetylene. Activities of transaminases, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, and level of bilirubin were increased while the plasma albumin level was decreased. Dyslipidemia, increased activities of lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase-MB, and severe histopathological damage to hepatic and cardiac tissues were also observed in animals exposed to the gas. These deleterious hematological, biochemical, and histopathological changes were ameliorated in crude acetylene-toxified rats treated with the polyphenols. Tannic acid exhibited better activity than gallic acid while quercetin showed a superior activity to rutin. The results indicate that exposure to crude acetylene can lead to blood, heart, and liver-related diseases and dietary polyphenols could provide protective benefits.