Changes in hematological parameters in rats with experimental atherosclerosis under chronic heavy metal intoxication

Introduction. Exposure to heavy metals is an important and underestimated risk factor related to the development of atherosclerosis and its consequences. However, data on hematological changes in atherosclerosis under exposure to heavy metals could not be found in the literature, which was the reason for carrying out this study.

Aim. Study of changes in hematological parameters under chronic exposure to various heavy metals in experimental atherosclerosis.
Material and methods. The experiments were conducted on 110 outbred male albino rats which, after modeling atherosclerosis, were exposed to chronic heavy metals through drinking water for 60 days. The model of atherosclerosis was created according to I.V. Savitsky et al., based on the multifactorial theory of the development of atherosclerosis and its consequences. Cadmium sulfate, nickel nitrate and cobalt nitrate were used as toxicants. The measurement of hematological parameters was carried out using an automatic hematology analyzer.
Results. After intoxication with various heavy metals under conditions of experimental atherosclerosis, an aggravation of changes in hematological parameters, that occurred after modeling atherosclerosis, took place. The increased count of leukocytes, lymphocytes, platelets and erythrocytes in experimental atherosclerosis after chronic intoxication with heavy metals began to decrease, with the exception of the platelet count which continued to increase. The increased level of hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin, which occurred in experimental atherosclerosis, continued to decline after intoxication. Maximum disturbances were observed by the 60th day of intoxication, and the most pronounced changes were noted under exposure to cadmium sulfate, then nickel nitrate and cobalt nitrate.
Conclusion. The presence of hematological disorders following the long-term exposure to heavy metals in experimental atherosclerosis necessitates to take these disorders into account in the comprehensive treatment of heavy metal poisoning, especially in older patients with atherosclerotic damage to the vessels. Keywords: experimental atherosclerosis, heavy metals, hematological parameters.

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