Protective Efficacy of Astaxanthin Against Acrylonitrile-Induced Toxicity: Hematological Analysis and Histopathological and Immunoexpression Study of TGF-β in the Heart, Kidney, and Liver of Albino Rats.

Abstract

Scientific research is currently moving towards studies of natural antioxidants that could reduce the deleterious effects resulting from the toxicity of materials used in industry in order to preserve the environment and public health. Astaxanthin "king of antioxidants". is known for its remarkable protection against numerous environmentally harmful substances, but not against acrylonitrile, which is utilized in the manufacturing of plastics, rubber, and synthetic fibers. The goal of this investigation is to assess how astaxanthin can recover the normal CBC and normal organ architecture after acrylonitrile toxicity. Fifty rats were divided equally into five groups: positive control (acrylonitrile), negative control (saline), vehicle (corn oil), antioxidant (astaxanthin), and protective (astaxanthin + acrylonitrile). After sacrificing all the rats, CBC was done. Tissues of the heart, liver, and kidney were used for pathological examination and to assess TGF-β1 by immunohistochemistry, Our results showed an improvement in most of hematological parameters in the protective group compared to the acrylonitrile group. There was a significant improvement in RBC count, PCV, HB, RDW, and platelets, accompanied by a slight increase in MCV. Conversely, significant decreases were observed in PDW, MPV, MCH, and MCHC. Additionally, our results showed a slight decrease in WBCs and neutrophils, along with a slight increase in eosinophils and lymphocytes, and a significant increase in monocytes. There was a significant decrease in TGF-β1 level in rats treated with astaxanthin. All the organs showed an excellent recovery for the normal architecture. Astaxanthin can ameliorate acrylonitrile toxicity by restoring the normal levels of hematological parameters and histological structure.