Effects of in vivo chlorobenzene exposure on bone tissue in a rat model

Calcipaenic bone disorders (e.g., osteoporosis) are becoming an epidemic as a significant public health concern. The underlying genetic, epigenetic, and homeostatic factors and the determinants of bone tissue expression are triggered by environmental exposures. Endocrine disruptor compounds are important in the development of pathological bone alterations. The aim of this study is to design an in vivo subtoxic chlorobenzene exposure model that can be used to explore certain bone changes and their consequences. Male Wistar rats were treated via gastric tube with a 1:1 mixture of hexachlorobenzene + 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene at a dose of 1.0 μg/kg bw; in a final volume of 1 mL, for 30, 60 and 90 days. Blood serum and bone samples were obtained from the femur diaphysis. The results of the treatments (n = 10/group) were interpreted as related to the controls. Serum levels of γGT, SGOT, SGPT were determined, along with bone tissue morphology, as well as the total mineral content of the bone and the mobilizable anorganic content. ANOVA was used to analyze the measurement data. As a result of the treatment protocol, histological examinations of bone morphology showed osteoid degeneration, as well as an altered state of the bone matrix. These findings are supported by the DEXA images, which showed a time-dependent decrease in surface mineral content, in parallel, an increase in the mobilizable anorganic content of the bone was detected. These results suggest that chlorobenzene administered may be a causal factor and changes in bone tissue structure can be traced.