ETHANOL AND BENZENE INDUCED TOXICITY IN WISTAR RATS: AMELIORATIVE EFFECTS OF EXTRA-VIRGIN OLIVE OIL ON HAEMATOLOGICAL INDICES AND SPLEEN DAMAGE

Adetunji Opeyemi Adebola, Adetunji Oluwaseyi Adegoke, Adeoye Bayo Olufunso*, Adetunji Iyabode Toyin, Nwobi Nnenna Linda and Adeoye Ayodeji David

ABSTRACT

Background: The metabolic intermediates of benzene and ethanol are relatively poisonous to humans. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is considered a natural source of bioactive compounds with beneficial effects on multiple organs. There is a dearth of empirical information on its protective roles in relieving symptoms associated with ethanol and/or benzene intoxication. Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of extra virgin olive oil benzene and/or ethanol-induced haematological and splenic tissue aberrations in rats. Methodology: Forty-eight female Wistar rats (110kg-170kg) were randomly divided into 8 groups (n=6); Negative Control, EVOO= Extra Virgin Olive Oil, ETH= Ethanol, BEN= Benzene, ETH+BEN= Ethanol + Benzene, ETH+EVOO= Ethanol+ Extra Virgin Olive Oil, BEN+EVOO= Benzene+ Extra Virgin Olive Oil, ETH+BEN+EVOO= Ethanol+Benzene+ Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Animals were sacrificed and blood samples were collected for food blood count (FBC) analysis. Data were analyzed with a graph pad prism (version 5.03). p<0.5 was considered significant. The spleen was excised and processed for the histopathological assessment using Haematoxylin & Eosin (H&E) and Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) staining techniques. Results: The FBC analysis showed alteration in macrophages, neutrophils and monocytes following treatment with ethanol and/or benzene, while also showing marked distortion of the histoarchitectural integrity of the splenic tissues. However, treatment with EVOO significantly (p<0.05) normalized haematological indices while also ameliorating splenic tissue distortions. Conclusion: Data obtained from this study revealed that extra virgin olive oil has anti-inflammatory potential on the Spleen.

Keywords: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Benzene, Ethanol, Spleen, hematology.