Prophylactic effect of vitamin E against hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, haematological indices and histopathology induced by diazinon insecticide in mice

Considering that the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been implicated in the toxicity of various pesticides, this study was designed to study the ameliorative effect of Vitamin E (100 mg/kg body weight) on mice (25–30 mg) treated with diazinon (32.5 or 16.25 mg/kg body weight) organophosphate insecticide for 14 days. Subchronic DZN exposure and the protective effects of vitamins E (vitE) were evaluated for their effects on haematological indices, the enzymes concerning liver damage [plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotaransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatise (ALP), and some parameters of kidney function (urea and creatinine) in mice. Additionally, the histopathological changes in liver and kidney tissue were examined. The high dose of diazinon (DZNH) decreased the body weight significantly at the end of experiment. Additionally, the liver and kidney were examined for histopathological changes. The high dose of diazinon decreased body weight significantly. Moreover, there was a statistically significant decrease in haemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC) and hematocrit (Hct) in diazinon-treated mice compared to controls. This decrease was partially remedied in the diazinon-treated group that also received vitE. Damage in the liver and kidney tissues was also evident as elevated plasma ALT, AST, ALP, urea and creatinine. VitE partially counteracts the toxic effect of DZN and repairs tissue damage in the liver and kidney, especially when supplemented to 1/4 LD50 intoxicated animals. Histopathological changes in liver and kidney were observed only in 32.5 mg/kg DZN given group. These results suggest that the effects of DZN are dose dependent. No pathological findings were observed in vitE + DZN-treated groups. According to the present study, we conclude that vitE can reduce the detrimental impacts of diazinon on haematological indicies, as well as liver and kidney function [Current Zoology 55(3):219–226, 2009]