Oxidative Stress–Mediated Hepatotoxicity Induced by Chronic Mosquito Coil Smoke Exposure and the Protective Role of Emblica officinalis in Wistar Rats

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Continuous exposure to mosquito coil smoke is a significant source of indoor air pollution and may induce toxic effects in mammals through oxidative stress–mediated mechanisms. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the hepatotoxic effects of prolonged mosquito coil smoke exposure and the protective role of Emblica officinalis (amla) fruit extract in male Wistar rats. Experimental animals were divided into four groups: control, mosquito coil smoke-exposed, amla-treated, and mosquito coil smoke with supplementation of amla. The animals were exposed to mosquito coil smoke for 8 hours per day till 40 days. Serum biochemical parameters, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin, were assessed along with hepatic oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) in Wistar albino rats. Results demonstrated a significant increase in serum ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin levels in the mosquito smoke-exposed group, indicating hepatocellular damage. A marked elevation in MDA levels suggested enhanced lipid peroxidation, while a significant reduction in SOD and CAT activities reflected impaired antioxidant defense mechanisms. However, treatment with Emblica officinalis fruit extract significantly ameliorated these alterations by reducing liver enzyme levels, decreasing lipid peroxidation, and restoring antioxidant enzyme activities toward normal values. In conclusion, mosquito coil smoke induces oxidative stress–mediated hepatic injury, whereas Emblica officinalis exhibits potent hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties. Therefore, it may serve as a promising natural therapeutic agent against pollutant-induced liver damage.