Date on Master's Thesis/Doctoral Dissertation
8-2025
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
M.S.
Department
Pharmacology and Toxicology
Degree Program
Pharmacology and Toxicology, MS
Committee Chair
Wise, Jamie
Committee Member
Wise, John
Committee Member
Watson, Bert
Committee Member
Hardesty, Josiah
Committee Member
Zhang, Qunwei
Committee Member
Li, Yan
Author's Keywords
MASLD; liver disease; Cr(VI) exposure; drinking water; toxicant
Abstract
The prevalence of MASLD has doubled over the past 20 years and continues to rise. Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], a top chemical hazard in U.S. drinking water, is emerging as potential risk factor for liver disease. To study the impact of Cr(VI) and high-fat diet on MASLD, we developed an in vivo model using Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to Cr(VI) in drinking water (0, 0.05, or 0.1 mg/L) and fed normal or high-fat diet for 90 days. High-fat diet significantly increased body mass, plasma lipoproteins, cholesterol, liver injury, and hepatic triglycerides, which were exacerbated by Cr(VI) exposure. Cr(VI) alone increased hepatic chromium concentration and alpha fetoprotein expression. The combination of Cr(VI) and high-fat diet also caused sex differences in lipid profiles and Afp gene expression, a marker of liver disease severity. Our results indicate Cr(VI), at ‘safe levels,’ combined with a high-fat diet, worsens liver disease in a sex-specific manner.
Recommended Citation
Griffin, Gabrielle Celine, "Exploring hexavalent chromium exposure and lipid accumulation in liver disease." (2025). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 4597.
Retrieved from https://ir.library.louisville.edu/etd/4597
