Hematopoietic toxicity in Wistar rats experimentally exposed to cement dust

Cement dust (CD) is a known toxicant of both occupational and environmental impacts . Its heavy metallic and silica constituents occasion its systemic toxicosis. Several reports, characterized by crude exposure methods, have been made about its hematotoxicity. This study investigates the pattern of CD hematopoietic effect using a controlled model of exposure. Thirty (30) 3-month-old male Wistar rats weighing between 150 and 180g were randomized into three (3) groups ( n = 10); control, 14-day and 28-day exposed. We assessed hematological differentials and indices, osmotic fragility test, erythrocyte morphology, and morphometry. Gross osteological variables and indices, osteohistopathology, and bone marrow cytology were also investigated. Results show that CD alters hematological variables with significant increase in packed cell volume (PCV), erythrocyte count (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), lymphocyte, and reticulocyte count with a significant reduction in neutrophil count. Abnormal erythromorphology and morphometry observed significantly differ from the control. We found a significantly higher osmotic concentration-independent fragility. Terminal body weight and various osteological parameters including weight/foraminal index ratio (WFiR), relative tuberosity (ReT), relative epicondyle (ReE), relative femoral width (RFW), relative femoral length (RFL), ponderal, and bone density indices significantly differ from control. Osteohistopathological assessment of the exposed groups shows an array of alterations in the trabecula morphology and marrow cavity. The retinue of data from bone marrow cytology reveals that the bone internal matrix appears necrotic with dispersed cellular debris. The available evidence in this study suggests that exposure to CD induces hematopoietic toxicities with effects stemming from the bone marrow.