Impact of acute iron and copper intoxication on biochemical liver function in Wistar rat

Various indispensable metabolic processes are reliant on minute amounts of essential trace elements i.e., Fe and Cu and on FeCu association as well to maintain normal health. An excess of both elements can render abnormality in liver function. The aim of this work was to evaluate the acute hepatotoxicity of Fe & Cu by analyzing the biochemical functions of liver. Adult male Wistar rats (200g) were divided in three experimental groups (n=3) against a control group (G-I; 60mg/kg FeSO4; G-II: 10mg/kg CuSO4; & G-III: 30mg/kg FeSO4 and 5mg/kg CuSO4 while control group: distilled water). Doses were administered via intra-peritoneal route and animals were sacrificed after 24h. Blood samples were collected and processed to isolate serum. Serum samples were analyzed for liver function tests to determine ALT, AST, ALP, albumin, total protein and total bilirubin. Experimental groups showed statistically significant elevation in ALT, AST and ALP activity, Total bilirubin concentration and a significant decline in albumin and total protein concentration, as compared to the control. We can conclude that acute exposure to Fe & Cu and their co-administration caused noticeable alterations in liver biochemical functions, thereby signifying as indicators for the severe hepatotoxicity during acute Fe & Cu overload conditions.