Possible Protective Role of Propolis and Nigella Sativa Oil against the Toxic Effects of Chlorpyrifos on the Liver and Testes of Adult Albino Rats

Marwa Abass,Dalia Mesallam,Magdy Gawish,Ahmed Omar

doi:10.21608/ajfm.2016.18533

Abstract

Objective: Pesticides are major contaminants of our environment. Chlorpyrifos (CPF), a broad spectrum organophosphate insecticide, is one of the most used organophosphate pesticides in domestic and industrial applications all over the world. This work was undertaken to evaluate the protective effect of propolisand nigella sativa oil against the toxic effects of Chlorpyrifos on the liver and testes of adult male albino rats. Material and methods: Eighty adult male albino rats were used in this study. They were divided into 8 equal groups: Group I (negative control group); Group II (positive control group); Group III gavaged with propolis (400mg/Kg b. w.); GroupIVgavaged with nigellasativa oil (100 mg/Kg b.w.); Group V with CPF 6.75 mg/ Kg b. w. / (1/20 of the oral LD50); while group VI gavaged with propolis and CPF, group VII gavaged with nigella sativa oil and CPF, and groupVIII gavaged with both propolis and nigella sativa oil and CPF in the same previous doses. All treatments were given by oral gavage once daily for 12 weeks. Blood samples were obtained for assessment of total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Liver and testicular specimens were obtained for assessment of malondialdehyde (MDA) and histopathological examination by light and electron microscopes. Results: CPF induced chronic toxic effects in the liver and testes which were evidenced by significant increases in hepatic and testicular MDA and significant decrease in TAC serum levels. These results were confirmed by structural and ultra-structural alterations in liver and testes of CPF treated rats. Administration of propolis or nigella sativa alone or in combination ameliorated CPF induced toxic effects, but the most remarkable effects were observed in rats treated with combination of Propolis and nigella sativa. Conclusion: Combination of propolis and nigella sativa had marked protective effects against CPF-induced toxicity in liver and testes of adult albino rats.

Highlights

Chlorpyrifos (CPF), 0, 0- diethyl 0-(3, 5, 6- tricloro-2pyridinol) phosphorothionate, was first manufactured by Dow Elanco Company in USA and introduced into American market in 1965
Chlorpyrifos induces toxic effects on liver and testes of adult male albino rats, that were manifested by disturbed oxidative stress biomarkers and accompanied by structural and ultrastructural changes of liver and testes
Encouragement of using propolis and nigella sativa as food supplement to decrease the risk of diseases associated with organphosphorous insecticides

Summary

Introduction

Chlorpyrifos (CPF), 0, 0- diethyl 0-(3, 5, 6- tricloro-2pyridinol) phosphorothionate, was first manufactured by Dow Elanco Company in USA and introduced into American market in 1965. It is a broad spectrum chlorinated organophosphate insecticide, utilized extensively in agriculture and non-agricultural settings throughout the world (Michiel et al, 2008). In non-agricultural settings, CPF is used in many different indoor areas such as homes, offices, schools, hotels, hospitals and restaurants. CPF is the active ingredient in commonly used organophosphates insecticides like DURSBAN® and LORSBAN® (Timchalk et al, 2002 and Mitra et al, 2008). Liver is considered one of the target organs of CPF, as it is a site for its metabolism and detoxification (Sams et al, 2004) Residual levels of pesticides in Egyptian foods are often higher than those found in developed countries, either because the numbers of skilled technicians available to enforce the laws concerning pesticide usage are inadequate or due to the lack of adequate financial resources (Dogheim, 1996).

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