Protective effects of vitamins C and E against hepatotoxicity induced by methyl parathion in rats

Male rats were given vitamins C+E, methyl parathion, or both daily via gavage for seven weeks. Body weight was decreased while liver weight increased significantly at the end of fourth and seventh weeks in the methyl parathion- and methyl parathion plus vitamin-treated groups. Serum total protein, albumin, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-cholesterol) levels decreased, and serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyl-transferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and total cholesterol levels increased significantly in the methyl parathion- and the methyl parathion plus vitamin-treated rats. There was a statistically significant difference for all biochemical parameters when the methyl parathion plus vitamin-treated group was compared with methyl parathion-treated group. In electron microscopic investigation, cytopathological alterations were observed in hepatocytes of the methyl parathion- and the methyl parathion plus vitamin-treated rats. As a result, methyl parathion-induced hepatotoxicity is reduced by vitamins C+E, but vitamins C+E did not provide complete protection.

► Methyl parathion is an organophosphate (OP) insecticide that has been used in agriculture.
► Vitamins C and E are potential antioxidants protecting cells from oxidative stress.
► Methyl parathion caused subacute and subchronic hepatotoxicity.
► Vitamins C and E decreased methyl parathion toxicity, but did not provide complete protection.