Oxidative damage in bone and erythrocytes of suckling rats exposed to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid

Nowadays, people’s exposure to pesticides such as 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is increasing continuously. This compound is suspected to produce in excess free radicals which have adverse effects on human health causing several cell alterations in the organism. The present study investigated oxidative stress in the bone and erythrocytes of suckling rats whose mothers were treated with 2,4-D. Experiments were carried out on adult Wistar rats given 600 mg/L of 2,4-D in their drinking water from the 14th day of pregnancy until day 14 after delivery. Exposing dams to 2,4-D caused disorders in the bone of their progeny. Indeed, it induced changes in bone mineralization, especially calcium and phosphorus levels. Moreover, total tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, which reflected bone resorption, was enhanced while total alkaline phosphatase, which reflected bone formation, was reduced suggesting that this herbicide accelerated bone resorption. The impairment of bone function corresponded histologically.Rats exposed to 2,4-D showed in both bone and erythrocytes an increase in malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein products and protein carbonyl levels and a decrease in non-enzymatic (glutathione, non-protein thiol, and vitamin C) and enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) antioxidant system.

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► People’s exposure to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) increased continuously.
► Exposure female rats to 2,4-D caused disorders in the bone of their progeny.
► 2,4-D provoked in both bone and erythrocytes a decrease of antioxidant system status.