Research Article

Ali Arqam, Asia Iqbal, Sidra Safdar, Muhammad Imran, Aftab Hussain, Samreen Qasim

Published on : June 2025 | Volume : 2 Issue : 1

Abstract :

Arsenic is a persistent environmental pollutant with serious health implications due to its non-biodegradable nature and bioaccumulation through water, soil, and food chains. Chronic exposure to arsenic is associated with various carcinogenic and genotoxic effects. This study aimed to evaluate the hematological and genotoxic impacts of arsenic in albino mice (Mus musculus) to better understand its systemic toxicity. A total of 24 healthy albino mice were randomly assigned into four groups: one control and three treatment groups. Mice in treatment groups received daily oral doses of sodium arsenate at concentrations of 3.5 µg, 6.5 µg, and 9.5 µg for 30 days. Standard housing and feeding conditions were maintained throughout the trial. Blood samples were collected post-treatment for hematological analysis using an automated hematology analyzer. Genotoxic effects were assessed using the micronucleus assay to evaluate DNA damage and nuclear abnormalities. Results revealed significant dose-dependent hematological alterations in arsenictreated groups compared to controls. Notable declines were observed in red blood cell (RBC) counts, hemoglobin (HGB), and platelet (PLT) levels, especially at higher arsenic doses. Conversely, white blood cell (WBC) counts increased significantly with increasing arsenic concentration. Micronucleus assay results indicated marked genotoxic effects, with higher frequencies of micronuclei, binucleated cells, blebbed, and notched nuclei in arsenic-exposed groups. The highest genotoxic response was seen in the group receiving 9.5 µg arsenic, showing a micronucleus frequency of 37.85% compared to 0.267% in the control group (p < 0.001). In conclusion, arsenic exposure induces significant hematological disruptions and genotoxic damage in albino mice in a dose-dependent manner. These findings highlight the potential of arsenic to impair physiological and genetic functions even at low concentrations. This study underscores the urgent need for effective arsenic monitoring and mitigation strategies to safeguard environmental and public health