Abstract
Exposure to organophosphorus insecticides causes several health problems to animals and humans. Red beetroot (RBR) is rich in antioxidant ingredients and possesses a promising hepatoprotective activity. This study evaluated the potential of RBR extract to prevent chlorpyrifos (CPF)-induced liver injury, with an emphasis on oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. Rats received 10 mg/kg CPF and were treated with 300 mg/kg RBR extract for 28 days. CPF caused liver injury evidenced by elevated serum levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin, along with several histological alterations. Hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO) and nitric oxide (NO) levels, as well as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines were increased in CPF-intoxicated rats. RBR prevented CPF-induced histological alterations, and ameliorated liver function, LPO, NO, iNOS and pro-inflammatory cytokines. RBR boosted glutathione and antioxidant enzymes, and increased Nrf2 expression. In addition, RBR diminished Bax and caspase-3, and increased Bcl-2 expression. In conclusion, RBR prevented CPF-induced liver injury via attenuation of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. RBR enhanced antioxidant defenses, suggesting that it could be used as a potential therapeutic intervention to minimize CPF hepatotoxicity.
Highlights
Organophosphorus (OP) pesticides are a heterogeneous class of agricultural chemicals which are used to improve crop yields and agricultural productivity
Fresh RBR was collected from a local market in Riyadh, KSA in November 2018
The protective efficacy of RBR was supported by the histological findings
Summary
Organophosphorus (OP) pesticides are a heterogeneous class of agricultural chemicals which are used to improve crop yields and agricultural productivity. Their application has increased annually throughout the world and in developing countries in particular [1]. The excessive use of OP pesticides was associated with high morbidity and mortality rates in farmers due to disorders resulting from acute and chronic exposure [2]. Dermal absorption and inhalation are the main routes of exposure to OP pesticides [3]. Is one of the most currently used OPs. It is used to control household pests, flies and mosquitoes [4]
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