Evaluation of the Hepato-renal Biomarkers of Wistar Rats Fed with Selected Species of Stockfish Sold in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of consuming three species of stockfish (Haddock, Apama, and Cod) sold in Port Harcourt on liver and kidney biomarkers in Wistar rats. Forty Wistar rats were divided into eight groups of five rats each. The first group served as the control, whereas the other groups were assigned according to the species and quantity of stockfish administered for four weeks. Biochemical parameters were analysed using standard procedures. Liver-function biomarkers included alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), whereas kidney-function biomarkers included creatinine, urea, sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), chloride (Cl⁻), and bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻). AST activity ranged from 11.33 ± 1.13 U/L (Group 3) to 34.00 ± 1.73 U/L (Group 5), with significant decreases in Groups 3 and 8 and elevated activities in Groups 5, 6, and 7, suggesting possible hepatocellular stress. ALT activity ranged from 7.00 ± 2.00 U/L (Group 3) to 25.66 ± 2.08 U/L (Group 6), indicating possible liver-cell membrane disruption in treated groups. ALP activity increased in Groups 3, 5, 7, and 8 compared with the control, suggesting minor hepatobiliary impairment. Renal biomarkers also showed significant alterations; urea and creatinine concentrations were elevated in several treated groups, indicating reduced renal clearance or impaired glomerular filtration. Electrolyte disturbances included mild hyperkalaemia, sodium retention, and decreased chloride concentrations in specific groups. Bicarbonate concentrations were elevated in multiple groups, suggesting metabolic alkalosis or compensatory responses. These findings indicate that diets containing the selected stockfish species were associated with alterations in hepatic and renal biomarkers in Wistar rats. However, because contaminants were not directly measured, the findings do not establish a causal contaminant-related mechanism.