Evaluation of the effects of radiation doses from computed tomography on the biochemical parameters of the hepatorenal organs of albino rats
Authors: Mgbe Emeka Kevin , Ogbanya Kenneth Chiedozie , Modebe Emmanuel Obinna , Abah Iniobong Gabriel , Nnaji Theophilus Okafor 
Published: August 2024

Background Aims:
Computed tomography (CT) uses X-rays which are ionizing radiation. Interaction of ionizing radiation with the body may result in harmful effects on the organism depending on the radiation dose. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different doses of CT radiation on the hepatorenal organs of male albino rats using biochemical parameters as the pathological response of the organs to radiation.

Materials and Methods:
Thirty healthy male Wistar albino rats weighing 180–200 g were assigned into five groups of six rats each. Rats in groups B, C, D, and E underwent noncontrast helical total body CT irradiation and received varying doses of CT radiation while group A received sham irradiation and served as control. At 72 h postirradiation, blood was collected using conventional methods, and serum was harvested for the determination of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TB), total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), urea, uric acid, and creatinine.

Results:
The mean serum levels of TP in the control (group A) and in the irradiated groups B, C, D, and E were 8.21 ± 0.34, 6.08 ± 0.30, 5.86 ± 0.42, 5.22 ± 0.30, and 4.72 ± 0.16, respectively. The mean values of TP in the irradiated groups decreased significantly in a dose-dependent manner compared to the control. The mean serum levels of ALP in the group A and in the irradiated groups B, C, D, and E were 75.20 ± 3.14, 111.60 ± 1.60, 117.60 ± 1.12, 124.40 ± 2.48, and 133.60 ± 2.46, respectively. The mean serum levels of AST in the group A and in the irradiated groups B, C, D, and E were 33.80 ± 0.58, 54.40 ± 2.29, 52.60 ± 1.78, 58.60 ± 2.64, and 63.60 ± 0.81, respectively. The mean serum levels of ALT in the group A and in the irradiated groups B, C, D, and E were 21.20 ± 0.86, 36.00 ± 0.84, 40.40 ± 1.17, 37.40 ± 0.93, and 41.60 ± 1.03, respectively. The mean serum levels of TB in the group A and in the irradiated groups B, C, D, and E were 2.78 ± 0.28, 3.70 ± 0.18, 4.77 ± 0.40, 5.88 ± 0.11, and 6.34 ± 0.04, respectively. The mean serum levels of Alb in the group A and in the irradiated groups B, C, D, and E were 3.68 ± 0.16, 5.96 ± 0.21, 6.65 ± 0.26, 8.15 ± 0.23, and 8.91 ± 0.17, respectively. The mean serum levels of urea in the group A and in the irradiated groups B, C, D, and E were 42.40 ± 0.17, 54.40 ± 1.33, 56.00 ± 1.76, 54.60 ± 1.72, and 57.80 ± 1.39, respectively. The mean serum levels of uric acid in the group A and in the irradiated groups B, C, D, and E were 5.65 ± 0.36, 8.32 ± 0.46, 8.87 ± 1.11, 9.13 ± 0.29, and 9.91 ± 0.29, respectively. The mean serum levels of creatinine in the group A and in the irradiated groups B, C, D, and E were 2.05 ± 0.13, 4.44 ± 0.32, 5.81 ± 1.17, 6.31 ± 0.03, and 6.63 ± 0.40, respectively. The mean values of ALP, AST, ALT, TB, Alb, urea, uric acid, and creatinine increased significantly in the irradiated groups compared to the control group.

Conclusion:
From the lowest to the highest doses of CT irradiation in the study, alterations in the biochemical parameters were evident and significant. Moreover, this suggests a possible deleterious biological effect of CT radiation on the hepatorenal organs probably due to the effects of radiation-induced free radicals which adversely affected the hepatorenal organs.