Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Moringa oleifera on Spray Paint-Induced Lung Damage in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Hydrocarbon poisoning is the most common cause of lung diseases among people with spray paint-related occupations which has significant morbidity and mortality if left untreated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera on spray paint-induced interstitial pneumonitis in the adult Wistar rats. Thirty (30) adult Wistar rats (male and female) weighing between 238 g and 268 g were divided into five (5) groups of six (6) rats each. Group A rats were administered feed and water only. Group B rats were exposed to 2 puffs of spray paint (10 ml/puff) at a concentration of 100 mg/m³, administered at 10 am by inhalation via fume distributor glass-chamber of dimensions 32.5 cm³

• 5 cm³ × 16.5 cm³ for 1 hour daily. Group C rats received 500mg/kg body weight per day (BWT/D) of Moringa oleifera. Groups D and E rats were exposed to 2 puffs of spray paint (10 ml/puff) at a concentration of 100 mg/m³, administered at 10 am by inhalation via fume distributor glass-chamber of dimensions 32.5 cm³
• 5 cm³ × 16.5 cm³ for 1 hour daily and received 250mg/kg BWT/D (low dose) and 500mg/kg BWT/D (high dose) of Moringa oleifera respectively. The dosages of the extract were given for 30 consecutive days via an orogastric tube. The weights of the animas in each group were taken and recorded weekly and the difference noted. At the end of the 30^th day exposure, the animals were euthanized under chloroform anaesthesia and the lungs were harvested and processed for histological examination. Also, blood samples were collected through cardiac puncture into plain specimen bottles for haematological analysis. The obtained data were analyzed using the one-way Analysis of Variance, with level of significance set at <0.05. The findings of the study for body weight showed a significant increase (P<0.05) in body weight of the animals in all experimental groups (Groups A-D). The control group (A) showed higher weight gain compared to the exposed groups (B-D). There were significant changes in blood parameters, including decreased lymphocytes and red blood cells, and disruptions of other red cell indices, indicating haematological toxicity. This suggests that spray paint may have effects on the blood and haematological system, and body weight. The histological sections of the lungs of rats in Group A, C, D and E showed normal histoarchitecture of the lungs. There were observable histological variations in the lung histoarchitecture of the exposed rats (Group B) which include severe alveolar dilation, severe vascular ulceration and congestion, interstitial haemorrhage, and interstitial inflammatory cell infiltrates (evidence of interstitial pneumonitis). Given similar biological responses, these effects of spray paint on rats can be reasonably extrapolated to humans, highlighting the importance of protective measures for individuals occupationally exposed to spray paint. This study demonstrates that Moringa oleifera has a protective role in combating spray paint-induced interstitial pneumonitis, characterized by reduced severity of alveolar dilation, vascular ulceration, and interstitial inflammation, in Wistar rats.