The Protective Effect of Pumpkin Extract on Polyvinylchloride) PVC( Hepatotoxicity in Male Albino Rats

Polyvinylchloride PVC is a common source of microplastics found in everyday objects. It is the most dangerous type of plastic because of its persistence in marine organisms, accumulation in food chains, and exposure to humans. Microplastics can cause health issues, including reduced liver function. Pumpkin fruit has been traditionally used in diets, especially in rural areas. The present study aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of pumpkin extract on PVC hepatotoxicity in albino rats.Male albino rats were assigned randomly into four groups, each with six rats. Group I, negative control rats were gavaged only corn oil. Group II (PVC ), rats were gavaged 1000 mg/kg b.w. PVC was dissolved in corn oil. Group III, rats, were gavaged 200 mg/kg b.w. of pumpkin extract +PVC. Group IV, rats were gavaged 400 mg/kg b.w. ofpumpkin extract + PVC. The doses were given via gastric tube daily for 6 (six) consecutive weeks.The study investigated the chemical composition and phenolic compounds of pumpkin extract. At the end of the experiment, biological data were analyzed, and liver and blood samples were taken for histopathological and biochemical analysis. The most abundant components of pumpkinwere Protocatechuic acid, Cinnamic acid, Rutin, and Catachin, respectively, followed by Rosmarinic acid, Chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and Caffeic acid.The study's results showed that the group who were given PVC had an increase in FI and BWG%, but a decrease in liver weight. In comparison, the group who received pumpkin extract had significantly higher activity of SOD, CAT, GPXs, and TNF-α in their liver tissues, as well as lower levels of MDA and NO. The group that was given a higher dose of pumpkin extract (400mg) showed significant improvement in liver function, with reduced levels of serum AST, ALT, ALP, and bilirubin, with an increase in total protein, albumin &globulin. Furthermore, pumpkin extract improved renal function by decreasing urea, uric acid, and creatinine. All the groups that received pumpkin extract showed improvement in the aforementioned parameters when compared to the PVC group. The study showed that PVC caused liver damage, which was reversed by treatment. Liver pathology was regressed, and ultrastructure morphology was restored.In conclusion, the consumption of pumpkin extract can reduce the side effects of PVC microplastic toxicants due to the presence of antioxidants and hepato-protective effects.