The Effect of New Engine Oil on the Heart of Female Adult Wistar Rats

ABSTRACT
Engine oils are composed of base oils mixed with various additives like detergents, dispersants, anti-wear agents, antioxidants, and corrosion inhibitors. These additives are vital for enhancing engine performance and longevity, but they can pose significant health risks upon exposure. The cardiovascular system is particularly vulnerable to toxicants due to its high metabolic demand and vast network, making it prone to oxidative stress, inflammation, and direct cardiac tissue damage, potentially leading to impaired cardiac function. This study aims to investigate the cardiotoxic effects of new engine oil on female Wistar rats, focusing on the mechanisms and potential health risks associated with its chemical constituents.
Twenty female Wistar rats, weighing between 160g and 200g, were randomly divided into four groups of five. The control group received only water and feeds, while the other groups were administered 0.2ml, 0.4ml, and 0.6ml of new engine oil, respectively, via oral administration every other day for six weeks. At the end of the study, the rats were sacrificed, their hearts removed, weighed, and fixed in 10% formal saline for histological analysis. The group data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism to assess differences.
The study found that exposure to new engine oil led to significant dose-dependent oxidative stress and inflammation in cardiac tissues. The higher doses administered to rats in Groups C and D resulted in severe oxidative damage, elevated inflammatory markers, and structural damage to the heart. This damage manifested as arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, and compromised cardiac function, indicating that the chemical components of engine oil can lead to serious cardiotoxic effects.
In conclusion, exposure to new engine oil can result in significant cardiovascular damage due to oxidative stress and inflammation, with more severe effects at higher doses. These findings highlight the potential health risks associated with engine oil additives, necessitating further research to fully understand their impacts.
It is recommended that further studies be conducted to explore safer formulations of engine oil and that stringent regulations be implemented for proper disposal practices. This is critical to minimize environmental contamination, bioaccumulation, and the associated health risks for both wildlife and humans.