Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a sub-acute 4-week exposure to methidathion (MD) on the hematological system and hepatic integrity of rats. We also assessed whether co-administration of micronutrients such as selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) prevented MD-induced hepatic damage. Rats were randomly divided into four groups of six each: the first group served as a control which received standard diet, the second group received both Se (0.5mg/kg of diet) and Zn (0.227 g/l drinking water), the third group received only MD (5 mg/kg b.w. by gavage using corn oil as a vehicle), and the fourth group received MD and combined selenium and zinc. After four weeks, exposure to MD induced a significant increase in plasmatic activities of AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, and liver malondialdehyde level. In contrast, reduced glutathione level (GSH), and the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) content of hepatic tissue decreased significantly. Moreover, treatment with Se and Zn in MD-treated rats maintained all the biochemical parameters cited above. In conclusion, the obtained results indicate the ability of Se and Zn to attenuate the MD-induced liver and erythrocytes oxidative damage.

Key words: Biochemical studies, liver, methidathion, oxidative stress, rat, selenium, zinc.

Abbreviation

MD, Methidathion; ALT, alanine transaminase; AST, aspartate transaminase; ALP, Alkaline phosphatase; LDH, lactate dehydrogenase; CAT, catalase; GPx, glutathione peroxydase;  GSH, reduced glutathione; GST, glutathione S-transferase; LPO, lipid peroxide; MDA, malondialdehyde; O2• −, superoxide anion; •OH, hydroxyl radical;  ROS, reactive oxygen species;  SOD, superoxide dismutase; TBA, thiobarbituric acid; TBARS, TBA reactive substances.