Effect of Petrol on the Electrocardiogram, Cardiac Troponin-I and Body Weight of Wistar Rats and Mitigation by Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract

Petrol is commonly used as a fuel for internal combustion engines. Humans and animals continued to be exposed to petrol vapor in the environment, occupationally by petroleum attendants and refinery workers, at home and on the roads. Fumes from petrol products cause environmental pollution that has resulted in various health challenges, including increased blood pressure and heart rate, which may lead to hypertension. This study is aimed at evaluating the effects of petrol on the electrocardiograms (ECG) and Cardiac troponin of Wistar rats and possible mitigation by Moringa oleifera extract. A total of 15 adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups of five each: the control group (not given anything), the group exposed to petrol only and the group treated with Moringa oleifera extract after exposure to petrol. Rats were exposed to petrol vapor daily for 5 minutes over four weeks in a fume chamber with monitored room conditions, resulting in an average dosage exposure of 0.008 cm3/min/rat. Ketamine was used as an anesthetic agent, and the ECGs of the rats were measured with EDAN 10 veterinary electrocardiography. Serum cTn-I assay was analyzed at the end of the four weeks. The results showed an increase in heart rate, reduced QRS complex, increased in P wave and PR interval. Even though the cTn-I has considered revising but not statistically significant. It is concluded that petrol has effects on the electrocardiogram and cardiac troponin I of Wistar rats, and treatment with Moringa oleifera showed no remediating effect.