Abstract

Background: Pesticides are developed for welfare of human beings, though they impose and challenge our existence by their long- termtoxicity.Organophosphatessuchasdiazinoncontainphosphorusandderivativesofphosphoricacids.AimsandObjectives:To evaluate the toxic effects of diazinon in separate lower doses on hepatotoxicity and possible ameliorative properties of vitamin E ondiazinon-inducedalterationsonbiochemicalandhistologicalparametersonliverfunctions.MaterialsandMethods:Toxiceffects of diazinon, dose levels 0 mg, 6 mg, 7.5 mg, and 10 mg/kg body weight daily orally for 30 days and ameliorative effect of vitamin E (2 mg) on diazinon-induced biochemical and histological alterations were investigated in Wistar albino male rats. The serum was usedtoevaluatethe levelofserumaspartateaminotransferase (AST),alanineaminotransferase(ALT),lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), alkalinephosphatase(ALP),cholesterol,triglyceride,totalprotein,albumin,andmalondialdehyde(MDA).Liverparaffinsectionswere cut into 5mm thickness and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for light microscopic examination.
Results: Diazinon resulted in an increaseinMDAlevelsignificantly,decreaseinalbumin,totalprotein,cholesterollevels,andriseinASTandALTlevels.LDHandALP levels were elevated significantly (po 0.001). Hepatocytes showed pyknotic changes in nucleus, ballooning degeneration (fatty changes), periportal inflammation and Kupffer cells hyperplasia in diazinon-treated groups. Pretreatment of the rats with vitamin E showed an insignificant protection in diazinon-induced liver damage. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study suggests that diazinon induces hepatotoxicity in low doses and vitamin E partly ameliorates biochemical and histological alterations induced by diazinon.