Ffects of Smokeless Tobacco on various vital organs of Albino Wistar Rats

Abstract

The present study evaluated the toxic effect of smokeless tobacco product extract (STPE) in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) on various body organs in albino Wistar rats. The toxicities of orally administered STPE were studied at the dose of 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg body weight, respectively, and the control group contained 1 ml/kg of normal saline in albino rats for 28 days. Acute toxicity was studied in albino rats by orally administering a single dose of STPE at 2000 mg/kg. The results showed that the relative organ weight of the liver, stomach, and spleen was found to increase significantly (p<0.05) in comparison to the control group. From a hematological study, it was observed that white blood cells (WBC) count was increased significantly (p < 0.05) with all three doses, but red blood cell (RBC) count remained unchanged. The biochemical parameter revealed a significant increase in serum alanine transaminase (ALT) level, blood glucose, and cholesterol level. Histopathological results suggested that administration of STPE caused damage to the liver and stomach. There was no significant change in behavior and mortality during the 14-day observation period. In conclusion, short term consumption of STPE caused gastritis in stomach and liver cell damage, hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia and immunotoxicity. A further long-term study is required to unveil all the risk factors associated with STPE consumption.