The exposure of Nigerians to House Hold Kerosene (HHK) is on the increase following carelessness from handling the product and proliferation of sales outlet. Against this backdrop, hepatotoxicity of HHK on liver enzyme markers and its effect on hematological and oxidative stress parameters on wistar albino rats were investigated. Preliminary toxicity study to determine the volume of HHK that could cause toxicity was carried out using 30 healthy albino rats. Another set of 20 albino rats were grouped into two groups and used for the biochemical analysis: Group I animals were the control group and Group II animals were administered with 1ml/kg body weight of HHK. The results of this study shows that HGB, RBC and HCT values were significantly reduced (P<0.05) in the group administered with kerosene compared to the healthy group. WBC, lymphocyte# count, MCV and MCH values were significantly increased (P<0.05) in the treated group compared to the control group. All the liver enzyme markers: AST, ALT, ALP and GGT were significantly increased (P<0.05) in group II compared to group I. This is an indication of impaired liver function. The total bilirubim (TB) value increased in group II while their total protein (TP) values significantly reduced (P<0.05) when compared to group I. HHK administration in group II rats caused significant reduction (P<0.05) in catalase, superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione activities of liver homogenate. The MDA values were significantly high in group II compared to group I.

Keyword: Hepatotoxicity, liver enzyme markers, hematological parameters, house hold kerosene and oxidative stress parameters.

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