EFFECT OF AFLATOXIN B1 ON THE HAEMATOLOGY, TESTES, AND LUNGS OF ADULT MALE RATS: A PHYSIOLOGICAL AND HISTOLOGICAL STUDY

Aflatoxins are food-contaminating metabolites that can intoxicate and damage multiple organs. This study compared the effects of administration OF aflatoxin powder (AFP) and aflatoxin liquid (AFS) on the testes and lungs of rats and explored their potential mechanisms of action. Fifteen rats were divided equally into 3 groups. Aflatoxin B1 powder (0.5 mg/kg) and aflatoxin B1 liquid (0.5 mg/kg) were orally administered to the AFP and AFS group, respectively, for 21 days. The control group was fed a basal pellet diet and water. The rats were weighed at the beginning of the trial and on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days. Blood samples were drawn at the end of the experiments and analysed for complete blood count (CBC), i.e. red blood cells (RBCs), haemoglobin content, mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelet, neutrophil, monocyte, lymphocyte, basophil, and eosinophil counts. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) as oxidative stress biomarkers were determined, as well as serum testosterone. Testes and lungs were examined under a light microscope to assess the aflatoxin B1-induced histopathological changes. Weight gain and its percentages were significantly higher in the AFS group than in the AFP group (P