Histological Study of the Possible Protective Effect of Spirulina platensis on Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)-induced Pulmonary Alveolar Changes in Adult Male Albino Rats

Background: Phthalates are known to be major environmental hazards. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), a commonly used phthalate ester, is present in a variety of products. Humans can be exposed to DBP from various sources, which can release it into biological fluids and cause various health problems by penetrating different tissues in the body. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of DBP on pulmonary alveoli in rats and to assess the mitigating influence of S. platensis. Methods: The study involved 30 young adult male albino rats, which were divided into 3 groups (n = 10 each): control, group II (rats treated with phthalate ester (DBP; 50 mg/kg body weight/day)), and group III (Spirulina-protected animals given phthalate ester (DBP; 50 mg/kg body weight + Spirulina (200 mg/kg body weight/day)). Results: The study revealed that alveolar tissues in the groups treated with DBP showed significant increases in collagen deposition and inflammatory cellular infiltration. Furthermore, the numbers of type-II pneumocytes and alveolar macrophages were significantly increased. However, most of these effects were ameliorated by Spirulina platensis. Conclusion: These findings suggest that Spirulina may have potentially beneficial effects on pulmonary alveoli by mitigating the toxic effects of DBP.