ABSTRACT
This study was designed to investigate the effect of prolonged oral exposure of cockerels to disinfectant (Iodosteryl(®)) present in drinking water and its ability to induce liver damage and oxidative stress. Thirty-two healthy birds were used for this study. They were grouped into four groups of eight per group. Group I received 10 ml/kg body weight of physiological saline. Groups II, III and IV received 1 part per million, 2 part per million and 4 part per million of Iodosteryl(®) in their drinking water for six weeks. The results revealed significant (P<0.05) increase in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities in a dose-dependent manner in birds administered with Iodosteryl(®) when compared with control. Significant (P<0.05) increase in sodium and potassium ions was obtained from birds that received Iodosteryl(®) (4 part per million) compared with control. Also, there was significant (P<0.05) increase in total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein levels in all treatment groups (1, 2 and 4 part per million) compared with control. Serum blood urea nitrogen levels increased significantly (P<0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. Biologic markers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide generation) increased significantly with concomitant significant (P<0.05) decrease in serum glutathione level in a dose-dependent manner when compared with control. Histological sections revealed hepatic congestion, vacuolation and fibrosis at varying concentration of Iodosteryl(®). Overall, Iodosteryl(®) induced hepatic damage, increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant defense system; hence exposure of both animals and humans to prolonged iodine disinfectant is potentially harmful.
