Decrease in liver enzymes activities and liver toxicity of chronic low dose Monosodium Methylarsonate (MSMA) in the rat animal model

• Main Authors: Saharudin, Shahida, Buyong, Zunariah, Wan Salleh, Wan Muhamad Salahudin, A.Talib, Norlelawati, Abdullah, Nor Zamzila, Ab Rahman, Jamalludin, Abd. Fuaat, Azliana
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English; English; English; English
• Published: 2021
• Subjects: R Medicine (General); RA Public aspects of medicine; RA1190 Toxicology
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/95864/1/MRS%202021_Poster%20PNC120.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/95864/2/MRS%202021_Abstract%20book%20cover.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/95864/3/MRS%202021_Abstract%20page.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/95864/4/MRS%202021_presentation%20schedule.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/95864/
• Institution: Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia

Introduction: Inorganic arsenic has been known to cause pathological changes with concomitant increase of liver enzymes, signifying liver injury. Monosodium methylarsonate (MSMA) is an organic arsenic-based herbicide that is considered as less toxic than the inorganic counterpart. This underrated risk has allowed its continued wide use. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of organic arsenic (MSMA) exposure on the liver enzymes and tissue. Materials and methods: Forty-two Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups according to durations of exposure to MSMA, each with its non-exposure control. MSMA was given daily at dose of 63.20 mg/kg for 2, 4 and 6 months through oral gavage. Serum samples were analysed for AST, ALT and ALP levels, while liver tissue was analyzed for arsenic accumulation and histomorphometric evaluations following H&E, PAS, reticulin and TUNEL staining. Results: The cumulative level of arsenic was significantly higher in the MSMA-exposed rats compared to their control (p< 0.001), with the 6-month exposure group being the highest. Both ALT (p < 0.05) and ALP (p < 0.05) were significantly lower in 4-month MSMA-exposed group than their control. Histopathologically, balloning degeneration, focal necrotic, apoptotic, and fibrotic changes were observed in both the 4- and 6-month exposed rats with more extensive changes in the latter. The number of TUNEL positive cells was significantly higher in the MSMA-exposed group (p < 0.05 - 0.001). Conclusion: MSMA has the potential to lead to liver toxicity despite decrement in liver enzymes.