EFFECT OF POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE AS POLLUTANT OF DRINKING WATER ON SOME PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN MALE RATS

Abstract

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) utilized in fabrics, containers for packaging of food stuffs, water and other beverages. This polymer is recently participating in a wide-range of environmental pollution. The current study investigate the effect of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as pollutant of drinking water on some physiological parameters in male rats, including liver and kidney enzymes (ALT, AST, Urea, Creatinine); Oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, CAT, GSH); reproductive hormones (FSH, LH, Testosterone) and thyroid hormones (T3, T4, TSH). Total of 18 male albino rats were divided into three groups which kept along 60 days of the study: Control; GI (gavage daily 0.12 mg kg-1 b.wt of PET; and GII (Gavage daily 0.6 mg kg-1 b.wt of PET). The results showed a significant increase in the level of ALT, AST, Urea and Creatinine for both PET groups. Also, a significant increase (p<0.05) in the level of MDA, CAT and GSH were observed. On the other hand, there were significant decreases (p<0.05) in the level of FSH, LH and Testosterone in PET groups. Finally, significant decreases in T3, T4 and TSH hormones in PET groups were monitored.