Citation :

Eruotor Ogheneochuko Harrison, Chinwebudu M. Melford, "Integrated Hepatic And Renal Toxicity Following Chronic Petroleum Hydrocarbon Exposure In Chickens," International Journal of Medical Science, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 15-20, 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/IJMS-V13I1P103

Abstract

Petroleum hydrocarbons are persistent environmental contaminants capable of inducing multi-organ toxicity following chronic exposure. This field-based comparative study evaluated integrated hepatic and renal biochemical alterations in domestic chickens residing in a petroleum hydrocarbon–impacted environment. Exposed birds (n = 12; 6- and 12-month environmental residence) were compared with unexposed controls (n = 6). Serum hepatic enzymes, protein indices, bilirubin fractions, renal function markers, and electrolytes were analyzed using standard enzymatic and colorimetric methods. Exposed chickens exhibited significantly elevated AST, ALT, and ALP activities, reduced albumin and total protein concentrations, and increased total and conjugated bilirubin levels relative to controls. Urea concentrations were significantly higher in exposed birds, accompanied by significant reductions in sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate. Creatinine and potassium showed non-significant increases. Biomarker deviations appeared greater after 12 months compared with 6 months of residence, although duration effects were interpreted descriptively. These findings indicate that chronic environmental petroleum hydrocarbon exposure under field conditions is associated with coordinated hepatic dysfunction and renal filtration–electrolyte dysregulation in domestic chickens. The integrated hepato-renal biochemical profile observed highlights the systemic impact of sustained environmental hydrocarbon exposure in poultry populations.

Keywords

Petroleum hydrocarbons, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, biochemical markers, chickens, environmental exposure, Nigeria.

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