Biology and Medicine

Abstract

Effect of benzene on the enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism, brush border membrane (BBM) and oxidative stress in kidney and other rat tissues

S Khan, ANK Yusufi

Benzene found all over our environment and are toxic to general population especially children. This aromatic hydrocarbon being used in making of rubbers, lubricants, drugs, dyes and used as intermediate to make other chemicals and thus cause occupational hazard. Studies were carried out exposing the adult Wistar rats of 175-200gm to benzene (800mg/ kg body weight) via gavaging in corn oil for a period of 30 days and control rats received only vehicle for same period. The aim of the present work was to study the effect of benzene on the enzyme of carbohydrate metabolism, BBM and antioxidant defense parameters in different rat tissues. The nephrotoxic effect of benzene was manifested by increase blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and cholesterol levels. The activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) increases whereas malate dehydrogenase (MDH) was decreased by benzene. The biomarker of brush border membrane alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl tranferase and leucine amino peptidase decreased in BBM of rat tissues. The activity of gluconeogenic enzymes G6Pase and FBPase declined by benzene exposure. In addition, the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase significantly decrease with associated increase in lipid peroxidation. The results indicate that benzene induced nephrotoxicity and lowered the enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism and BBM most likely by inducing oxidative stress.