Fenthion induced-oxidative stress in the liver of adult rats and their progeny: Alleviation by Artemisia campestris

Fenthion (FEN) is an organophosphate insecticide used in both agricultural and urban areas throughout the world including Tunisia. Recent investigations have proved the crucial role of natural antioxidants to prevent the damage caused by toxic compounds. In this study, we investigated the role of Artemisia campestris (Ac) leaf powder in protection against oxidative damage and hepatotoxicity induced by fenthion in female rats and their pups. Female Wistar rats were divided into four groups: group I served as controls which received standard diet, group II received orally FEN 551 ppm, group III received both 551 ppm of FEN and experimental diet (5% Artemisia) and group IV received experimental diet (5% Artemisia). Oral administration 551 ppm of FEN by drinking water to adult rats caused hepatotoxicity as monitored by the increase in the levels of hepatic markers enzymes (transaminases and lactate dehydrogenase), total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG), as well as hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) levels thus causing a drastic alteration in antioxidant defence system. Particularly, the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) increased by FEN. These biochemical alterations were accompanied by histological changes marked by leucocytes infiltration, sinusoidal dilatation (moderate peliosis), granuloma inflammatory disorders and necrosis in hepatocytes of dams. While, slight leucocytes infiltration was shown in pups. Treatment with Ac prevented the liver damage induced by FEN, as revealed by inhibition of hepatic lipid peroxidation accompanied by an improvement of liver histopathological changes, CAT and GPx activities except GSH and SOD which were not modified. It could be concluded that A. campestris is promising a protective agent against hepatotoxicity during the exposure to fenthion.

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► FEN is an organophosphorus pesticide for controlling various crops.
► FEN exposure results in accumulation of ROS and lipid peroxidation products.
► FEN induces hepatotoxicity in suckling rats and their mothers.
► Polyphenolic compounds from Ac alleviate oxidative stress induced by FEN.