Background: Petroleum hydrocarbon contamination of the environment is associated with systemic toxicity in exposed organisms, yet its combined effects on cardiovascular integrity and hematological function remain underexplored in avian species. Objective: This study evaluated cardiovascular injury and hematological dysregulation in chickens chronically exposed to a petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated environment. Methods: A comparative experimental design was employed involving chickens exposed for 6 and 12 months and unexposed controls. Serum cardiac biomarkers (cardiac troponin I, creatine kinase-MB, brain natriuretic peptide, and atrial natriuretic peptide) and hematological parameters (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, white blood cell count, platelet count, and differential leukocyte profiles) were assessed using standard laboratory methods. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics at p < 0.05. Results: Exposed chickens exhibited significant elevations in all cardiac injury and stress biomarkers, indicating myocardial injury and cardiac strain. Hematological analysis revealed anemia, leukocytosis, increased inflammatory indices, and reduced platelet counts in exposed birds. These alterations were more pronounced with prolonged exposure and demonstrated sex-dependent patterns. Conclusion: Chronic petroleum hydrocarbon exposure induces significant cardiovascular injury and hematological dysregulation in chickens. The findings highlight the systemic health risks associated with environmental hydrocarbon contamination and emphasize the need for integrated cardiovascular and hematological monitoring in exposed animal populations.
Harrison et al. (Wed,) studied this question.