Age-Related Features of Changes in Non-Specific and Specific Indicators in the Body of Rats When Consuming Water with Different Concentrations of Nitrates

Abstract

Background. The problem of nitrate contamination of groundwater, which is used for drinking purposes, is constantly worsening in many countries and still remains relevant. Material and methods. The study was conducted on 60 white female rats divided into 5 groups. Each had 6 sexually mature individuals and 6 sexually immature individuals. The 1st group received drinking water from the city water supply. The 2nd group consumed water with nitrates in a concentration of 50, the 3rd – 150, the 4th – 250, and the 5th – 500 mg/l for 30 days. To study the influence of different concentrations of nitrates under conditions of their intake with drinking water on the condition of the liver of white rats, the relative weight of the liver was calculated, and also the activity of the liver in blood serum was determined. Results. The indicated concentrations of nitrates in drinking water led to an increase in the relative weight of the liver and to an increase in cytolysis indicators. Conclusions. Drinking water with nitrates in the experimental groups had a negative effect on rats body, which was evidenced by a change in the relative weight of the liver and cytolysis indicators. The adverse effect increased with increasing nitrate concentration.