ABSTRACT

Methoxyacetic Acid is an important industrial pollutant which presents a serious threat to both human and animal health. The liver is the main target organ of methoxyacetic Acid toxicity following acute exposure. In this study, the effect of length of exposure on Methoxyacetic Acid-induced changes in liver antioxidant status in rat was evaluated. Nineteen (19) wistar rats weighing (193 + 28.47) were used for this study and were divided into 2 groups. The 1st group which is the control group were orally administered 1% tween 80, and the 2nd group were orally administered 450 mg/kg body weight of methoxyacetic Acid for a period of 7 and 14 days. Following 7 days of administration of methoxyacetic Acid, there was a significant (p<0.05) reduction in Catalase activity and MDA levels, significant (P>0.05) increase in concentration of protein, SOD activity and concentration of cholesterol were reduced to a level not statistically significant (P>0.05) in MAA-treated group relative to control, also, there was severe hemorrhagic necrosis in the liver. However, following 14 days of administration of methoxyacetic Acid, Catalase activity was increased to a level not statistically significant (P>0.05), SOD activity was reduced to a level that is not statistically significant (P>0.05), there was a significant (P<0.05) reduction in MDA levels, Concentration of protein, and concentration of cholesterol in MAA-treated group relative to control, also, there was less severe hemorrhagic necrosis in the liver as more antioxidant enzymes are produced with time to nullify the effect of the free radical generated by Methoxyacetic Acid.