Effectiveness of steamed and cooked broccoli to attenuate bone marrow injury and suppressed haemopoiesis in male rats exposed to petrol vapours

ABSTRACT

The protective potential of broccoli against petrol-induced haematological disorders was evaluated in adult male rats. Animals were exposed to petrol vapours 6 h/6 days/week, for 12 weeks, while broccoli (steamed and cooked) was given orally (1.5 g/kg b.wt) for the same period. Petrol exposure significantly reduced red blood cell (RBC) indices, total and differential white blood cells (WBCs) and serum immunoglobulins: IgA; IgG, with elevated neutrophils%; and IgM level, indicating haematotoxicity. Meanwhile, significant elevation in levels of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide, decreased antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase and reduced glutathione) and total antioxidant capacity were observed in lysed RBCs and bone marrow of exposed rats. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), were significantly elevated with consequent bone marrow DNA damage detected via comet assay. Histologically, bone marrow revealed structural abnormalities of increased adipocytes and abnormal megakaryocytes with separated or hypo-lobulated nuclei. Consumption of broccoli during petrol exposure attenuated oxidative stress, inflammation and haematotoxicity, through preserving bone marrow integrity.

KEYWORDS:

• Petrol
• broccoli
• immunoglobulins
• genotoxicity
• cytokines

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to the Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, for providing the necessary facilities for this research and to the learned reviewer and also the Editor for his support.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.