Cypermethrin-induced histopathological, ultrastructural and biochemical changes in liver of albino rats: The protective role of propolis and curcumin

Cypermethrin (CYP), an insecticide belongs to a synthetic pyrethroid, is used for agriculture and household applications. The present study aimed to examine the toxic effects of CYP on rat liver and to clarify the hepatoprotective effects of propolis (PRO) and curcumin (CUR) against CYP. This study was assessed in male albino rats, each weighting (120-150 g). The rats were equally divided into six groups as follow; the 1st control group, 2nd PRO group (100 mg/kg/day) and 3rd CUR group (100 mg/kg/day). While 4th, 5th and 6th groups were orally treated with CYP (30 mg/kg/day), CYP plus PRO and CYP plus CUR, respectively for 28 days. The present study revealed that CYP-induced significant increase in hepatic markers enzymes (ALT, AST and ALP) and elevation in MDA concomitant with significant decrease of SOD and GPx levels. Histological and histochemical results revealed extensive vacuolar degeneration of hepatocytes, fatty change, blood vessel congestion and fibrosis in the liver of CYP- treated group and depletion of glycogen, protein and DNA. Moreover, ultrastructural observations showed vacuolation, damage of mitochondria and nuclear changes. On the other hand, treatment with PRO and CUR led to an obvious improvement of the injured liver tissues and ameliorating the damaging effects of CYP. In conclusion, PRO is markedly effective than CUR in protecting rats against CYP-induced histopathological, ultrastructural and biochemical changes. This protection may be due to its antioxidant properties and scavenging abilities against active free radicals.