Protective effect surfactant modified chitosan on subchronic mercury induced hematological, biochemical, oxidative stress indices and pathological findings in liver and kidney of mouse

Mercury (Hg) is a highly toxic heavy metal widely used in various industrial applications such as gold mining, battery manufacturing, and thermometer production. It exerts its toxicity by disrupting the central nervous system, impairing antioxidant enzyme activity, promoting lipid peroxidation, and irreversibly binding to proteins and enzymes, leading to dysfunctions in multiple organ systems. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of a synthesized bioadsorbent chitosan modified with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDSCS) against mercury-induced toxicity in Syrian mice. Twenty-eight mice were divided into four groups: control, Hg (۵۰۰ ppb), SDSCS (۲۰ mg/cage), and Hg+SDSCS. Treatments were administered orally for six weeks. Mercury exposure significantly reduced antioxidant activity, body weight, and altered organ morphology. Hematological analysis revealed neutropenia and lymphocytosis in the Hg group, which normalized in the Hg+SDSCS group. SDSCS mitigated hepatic damage by lowering liver enzyme levels and improving biochemical markers such as bilirubin, total protein, albumin, and globulin. Kidney function was also partially restored in the Hg+SDSCS group. Furthermore, SDSCS reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and enhanced total antioxidant capacity (TAC), either alone or in combination with mercury. These findings indicate that SDS-modified chitosan exhibits protective properties against mercury-induced oxidative stress and systemic toxicity, suggesting its potential as a bioadsorbent in biomedical and environmental applications.

کلیدواژه ها:

Chitosan ، Mercury ، Hematology ، Biochemical markers ، Oxidative stress