Histopathological and Enzymatic Changes in Liver of Mice Treated with Tricyclazole

ABSTRACT &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Background and objectives: Tricyclazole (TCZ) is a member of triazole fungicides, which might cause damage in living systems. This study was carried out to examine effects of TCZ on liver tissues and level of liver enzymes. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Methods: Forty mice were randomly divided into four groups including control, sham and two experimental groups. Experimental groups 1 and 2 received 5 mg/Kg and 15 mg/Kg intraperitoneal injection of TCZ for two weeks, respectively. The sham group received sterile water but the control group received no injection. The animals were sacrificed 24 h after the last injection, and microscopic slides were prepared for cell counting and evaluation of tissue damage. Levels of liver enzymes were measured using commercial kits. Data was analyzed in SPSS (version 20) using one-way ANOVA. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Results: The injection of TCZ caused a significant increase in the number of hepatocytes and a significant decrease in the number of Kupffer cells compared to control group (P<0.001). In the experimental group, the level of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase increased, but the level of alkaline phosphatase decreased significantly compared to control group (P<0.001). We also detected several forms of tissue damage including necrosis and degeneration of hepatocytes, hyperplasia, and penetration of inflammatory cells and expansion of sinusoids. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Conclusion: Our results indicate that the intraperitoneal injection of TCZ in mice can cause irreparable hepatic damage in a dose-dependent manner. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Keywords: Tricyclazole, hepatocytes, Alanine, Aspartate aminotransferase.