Histopathological Evaluation of Liver and Kidney Damage Induced by Smoked Fish Extract

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the histopathological effects of smoked fish extract on liver and kidney tissues in albino rats, focusing on the structural damage induced by prolonged exposure to smoked fish contaminants. A total of 20 male albino rats (mean weight: 200 ± 12.5 g) were divided into four groups: a control group and three treatment groups receiving smoked fish extract at doses of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg body weight. The smoked fish extract was administered intraperitoneally for a duration of 28 days. At the end of the treatment period, liver and kidney tissues were harvested for histopathological examination. Histopathological analysis revealed dose-dependent damage to both liver and kidney tissues. In the high-dose group (200 mg/kg), liver sections showed extensive hepatocellular necrosis, vacuolar degeneration, and inflammatory infiltrates, indicating severe hepatic damage. In contrast, liver sections from the control and low-dose groups (50 mg/kg) showed normal architecture with minimal signs of damage. Similarly, kidney tissues from the high-dose group exhibited tubular degeneration, interstitial inflammation, and glomerular sclerosis, which were more pronounced compared to the medium (100 mg/kg) and low-dose groups. Mild tubular dilation and focal interstitial inflammation were noted in the kidney sections from the medium-dose group, but these changes were less severe than those observed in the high-dose group. The observed liver and kidney damage in the high-dose group suggests that smoked fish extract, potentially contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals, and biogenic amines, could cause significant structural damage to vital organs. These findings emphasize the toxic potential of smoked fish consumption at elevated levels, particularly concerning organ-specific damage. Further studies are needed to explore the molecular mechanisms driving these histopathological alterations and to assess the long-term consequences of smoked fish contamination on organ health.