Sub-Chronic Hepatotoxicity of Aluminium Phosphide in Wistar Rats: Biochemical and Histopathological Evidence

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the hepatotoxic effects of sub-chronic dietary exposure to Aluminium phosphide (AlP) by assessing biochemical and histopathological alterations in the liver of Wistar rats. Study Design: A controlled, 56-day toxicological feeding experiment was conducted using twenty-eight adult Wistar rats randomly assigned to four groups receiving either standard feed (control) or AlP-formulated diets at low, high, or very high concentrations. Methodology: Rats consumed their respective diets ad libitum for 56 days. Serum liver function biomarkers including ALT, AST, ALP, total bilirubin, total protein, and albumin, were quantified using validated commercial assay kits. Liver samples were processed for histopathological evaluation using standard hematoxylin and eosin staining to assess structural damage and cellular alterations. Results: Exposure to high and very high AlP concentrations led to marked increases in ALT and total bilirubin relative to controls, indicating hepatocellular leakage and impaired bilirubin handling. Conversely, AST and ALP levels showed significant reductions, while serum protein indices remained statistically unchanged across groups. Histological examination revealed steatosis (both micro- and macro-vesicular), centrilobular vascular congestion, and mild hepatocyte degeneration, particularly in animals receiving higher AlP doses. These findings collectively indicate dose-dependent hepatic injury. Conclusion: Sub-chronic ingestion of AlP-contaminated feed results in measurable biochemical and structural liver damage in Wistar rats, suggesting oxidative-stress-mediated hepatotoxicity. The study underscores the need for monitoring AlP residue exposure in populations relying on fumigant-treated food commodities.