Evaluation of Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Atherogenic Indices in Adult Wistar Rats Exposed to Pyrethroid Insecticides

¹Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

²Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria

^*Corresponding Author

A.D. Atere

Department of Medical Laboratory Science

Achievers University

Owo, Nigeria

Cell no. +2348039501172

Email: ateread@gmail.com

Abstract

Indiscriminate use of pesticides appears to increase the production of free radicals in organisms such as humans and other animals. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pyrethroid insecticides on oxidative stress biomarkers and atherogenic indices in exposed adult Wistar rats. A total number of apparently healthy 60 Wistar rats were randomly selected for this study and divided into two groups. Thirty six (36) were exposed to 1.2 % w/v pyrethroid insecticides while the remaining twenty four (24) were grouped as non-exposed. The animals in each group were anesthetized and blood sample was collected from the inferior vena cava after days of exposure. Plasma levels of total antioxidant status (TAS), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), Nitric Oxide (NO) and lipids profiles were determined using standard spectrophotometric techniques. Plasma activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and catalase (CAT) were determined using standard spectrophotometric techniques. Statistical analysis of data was obtained and P<0.05 was considered significant. The mean TChol and HDL were significantly higher in 7days than 41days exposure, while plasma mean TChol and HDL were significantly lower in 41days than 21days exposure. The plasma mean levels of SOD, GPx, CAT, GSH and TAS were significantly decreasing while plasma mean levels of MDA, H₂O₂ and NO were significantly increasing from 7 days through 41 days exposure in exposed groups irrespective of the gender. In conclusion, this study observed that there is oxidative stress in Wistar rats exposed to pyrethroids based insecticides and lowered antioxidant defenses also observed in the studied population. Also, there was increased in weight differences with possibility of becoming obese. Thus, antioxidant supplements are advised as a prophylactic supportive therapy for adequate measures in preventing development of oxidative stress-associated complications among exposed individuals.

Keywords: Organic pollutants, pyrethroid insecticides, free radicals, antioxidants, atherogenic indices

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