European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

IMPACTS OF CHRONIC CIGARETTE SMOKE EXPOSURE ON LUNG HISTOLOGY AND OXIDATIVE STRESS MARKERS IN ADULT MALE WISTAR RATS

Afuberoh Francis Chukwudi*, Umeji Justina Chinazom, Anyaogu Charles Chinemeze,
Okoye Ogochukwu Fidelis

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Cigarette smoke contains numerous toxic and carcinogenic compounds capable of inducing oxidative stress and structural damage to lung tissue. This study evaluated the effects of chronic cigarette smoke exposure on lung histology and oxidative stress markers in adult male Wistar rats. Methods: Forty adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups (n = 10): control (feed and water only), and three smoke-exposed groups subjected to six sticks of cigarette smoke for 30, 60 or 120 minutes daily for 28 days using a whole-body exposure chamber. Body weight and relative lung weight were recorded. Oxidative stress markers, malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were assessed. Lung tissues were processed for histological examination using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results: Chronic smoke exposure produced a non-significant increase in body weight but reduced relative lung weight compared with control rats. MDA levels were significantly elevated in rats exposed for 30 and 120 minutes (p < 0.05), while SOD activity was significantly reduced across all smoke-exposed groups (p < 0.05). Histological findings showed mild to moderate focal alveolar fluid exudation with preservation of alveolar architecture. Conclusion: Chronic cigarette smoke exposure induces oxidative stress and mild histopathological alterations in the lungs of adult male Wistar rats, supporting the toxic effect of cigarette smoke on pulmonary tissue.

Keywords: Cigarette smoke; Oxidative stress; Lung histology; Wistar rats; Malondialdehyde.