Chitosan induced hepato-nephrotoxicity in mice with special reference to gender effect in glycolytic enzymes activities

Chitosan is an antilipidemic dietary supplement used as a diet aide. The present study investigated the effect of sex-toxicity relationship between male and female mice orally given two dose levels (150 and 300 mg/kg) for 35 days. Chitosan treatment caused significant elevation in transaminases (ALT, AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in liver and in serum urea and creatinine in dose dependent manner; no sex differences between-treated groups. Lipid profile parameters significantly decreased and significant increase in glycolytic enzymes activities in all treatment groups. Female mice treated with chitosan (300 mg/kg) had significant reduction in lipid profile parameters than the same dose of male group. Phosphofructokinase (PFK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities significantly enhanced without sex differences, while glucose phosphate isomerase (GPI) and hexokinase (HK) significantly elevated in the higher dose of females than male. Histopathological study of liver and kidney tissues showed moderate to severe histopathological changes depend on the dose and gender difference. Image analysis resulted significant depletion in glycogen and protein contents especially in female more than male. These results indicated that female mice were more susceptible to the toxic effect of chitosan than males when administered with the higher dose for a long period.