Effect of subacute oral exposure to calcium carbide (CaC2) on some haematobiochemical parameters in male Wistar rats

Abstract

Introduction: One of the most common methods of forced ripening of fruits involves the use of calcium carbide (CaC2). Commercial grade CaC2 contains impurities with the potential to cause harmful effects to exposed individuals. This study was conducted to determine the effect of exposure to CaC2 on some haematological and biochemical parameters in rats. Methods: Adult male Wistar rats (n=20) were divided into four equal groups. Animals in Groups I (control), II, III and IV were respectively administered distilled water (2 mL/kg), 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg calcium carbide, orally, by gavage, before feeding, daily for 28 days. The erythrogram, leucogram and plasma total protein were determined, while changes in serum and brain biomarkers of oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration) were assessed. Weight changes at the beginning and at the end of the exposure period (28 days) and signs of toxicity daily, were recorded. Results: The findings revealed significantly (p<0.05) lowered levels of red blood cells count (RBC count), haemoglobin and total white blood cells count (TWBC) in the rats exposed to CaC2. How-ever, the packed cell volume (PCV) was not significantly (p>0.05) lowered. Furthermore, there was an increase in MDA concentration but a decrease in SOD activity in the brain and serum of the experimental animals. Significance: Exposure to CaC2 induced adverse heamatobiochemical changes in rats which could signal danger to humans using this agent for fruit ripening.