Effect of Fluoride Toxicity on Some Clinical, Biochemical and Physiological Aspects of Albino Rats

Abstract

Fluorine is a necessary biological trace element for human health. However, fluoride accumulation leads to cascading effects resulting in altered physiological functions in human being. The objective of the present study was to find out the extend of oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS), generated by the action of fluoride that alter the activities of the enzymes involved in the defense against free radicals and substantially influence the damaging process in brain, kidney and liver. To perform the experiment, healthy albino rats were ingested with fluoride water (5, 10, 15 and 20 ppm) for 60 days for generation of ROS in their body. The data revealed that reduction of body weight and somatic index were observed after the ingestion of 10, 15 and 20 ppm of fluoride water. Higher doses of fluoride water altered the hematological parameters leading to anaemic condition. The percentage of neutrophil is significantly increased (p<0.01) in high fluoride concentration. Total count is also dramatically reduced as compared to control. The antioxidant enzymatic parameters such as Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione transferase (GST), and catalase decreased significantly (p<0.01) in brain tissues. Loss of activity of some liver enzymes (SGPT and SGOT) indicate the decreased liver activity due to generation of ROS in rat body. The serum protein, Cholesterol and phospholipids were also significantly reduced in all the treatments studied (p<0.01). Glycogen, Cholesterol and Ascorbic acid of liver and heart tissues showed diminished activities following fluoride water treatment.  Thus, the present study showed that accumulation of fluoride increases free radical production inhibits the antioxidative enzymes which probably make the tissue more susceptible to biochemical injury. From the study, it can be further concluded that excess fluoride water exposure caused altered blood cells and produce toxic effects on brain, heart and liver.