Hepatotoxic Responses in Female Wistar Rats Exposed to Geophagic Clay ('Eko') from Ubiaja, in South-South, Nigeria

Abstract

Geophagia, the practice of consuming geophagic clay, is an uncommon behavior observed in various cultures worldwide. However, extended or excessive exposure to specific clay types can negatively impact health, due to the presence of heavy metals in geophagic clay.  Our study focused on examining the effects of geophagic clay consumption on the liver considering its central role in managing and processing the substances absorbed from geophagic clay. To conduct the study, we used thirty-six female albino Wistar rats, dividing them into six groups. The control group received only distilled water, while the other five groups were administered geophagic clay at varying concentrations (250, 500, 1000, 1500, and 2000 mg/kg bw) daily for forty-two days. We assessed oxidative stress parameters such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver tissues of the Wistar rats. The results showed increased levels of antioxidant enzymes [SOD (1000-1500 mg/kg bw), CAT, GPx (1000 mg/kg bw)] accompanied by a notable reduction in GSH (1000-1500 mg/kg bw) concentration, and a significant rise in MDA (1000-2000 mg/kg bw) levels, indicating oxidative stress. Additionally, microscopic examination of liver tissue sections stained with haematoxylin and eosin revealed slight changes in hepatocellular architecture, particularly in rats treated with higher concentrations of geophagic clay (1500-2000 mg/kg bw), aligning with our previous results. The study suggests that exposure to Ubiaja geophagic clay may lead to potential liver toxicity through oxidative stress mechanisms. Thus, emphasizing the importance of educating consumers regarding the possible risks linked to geophagic clay consumption.