Effects of Oral Exposure to Polyethylene Nanoplastics Enriched Fraction on Body Weight and Haematological Indices in Male Wistar Rats
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Abstract
Polyethylene particle exposure may alter somatic growth and circulating blood-cell profiles. This study evaluated body-weight and haematological responses following 28-day oral exposure to a polyethylene nanoplastics-enriched fraction in male Wistar rats. Particle-metric analysis identified 134 particles (35.35 nm–7.33 µm), with a median Feret diameter of 83.08 nm; 94.8% were ≤100 nm. Twenty-five rats were assigned to five groups (n = 5): control and groups exposed once daily to approximately 17.5, 35.0, 70.0, or 140.0 mg/kg/day. Initial body weights differed significantly among groups (p < 0.001). All groups gained weight, but absolute and percentage weight gains were significantly lower at 70 and 140 mg/kg/day than in the control and two lower-dose groups (both p < 0.001). Haemoglobin concentration differed significantly among groups (p = 0.003) and was lower at 35 and 140 mg/kg/day than in controls. White blood cell count increased significantly (p = 0.014), with higher values at 70 and 140 mg/kg/day than in controls. Platelet count increased significantly (p < 0.001), including elevations at 17.5, 70, and 140 mg/kg/day. Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration decreased at 70 and 140 mg/kg/day (p = 0.024), whereas RBC count, PCV, MCV, and MCH did not differ significantly. Neutrophil percentage decreased and lymphocyte percentage increased at all exposure levels (both p < 0.001); monocytes increased from 35 mg/kg/day (p < 0.001), while eosinophils were unchanged (p = 0.633). These findings indicate reduced unadjusted growth at higher exposures and selective erythrocytic, leukocytic, and platelet alterations.
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