Subacute and subchronic methomyl exposure induced toxic effects on intestines via oxidative stress in male albino rats: biochemical and histopathological study

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to estimate the potential toxic effects of a subacute and a subchronic exposure to methomyl (MET) on some parts of the digestive system in male albino rats. Wistar rats were exposed daily by oral gavage to 4 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) of MET over 28 days in subacute experiments and to 1 mg/kg b.w. of MET for 90 consecutive days in subchronic exposure. Plasma levels of liver function indicators (ALT, AST, ALP and LDH) were significantly elevated after administration of MET to rats. MET had significant pro-oxidative effects on the intestines, as indicated by decreases in nonenzymatic (GSH) and enzymatic antioxidant (GPx, GST and CAT) parameters and significant increases in TBARS levels in both the duodenum and colon of rats. Microscopically, the duodenum and colon of rats exposed to MET showed severe pathological changes. It could be concluded that MET profoundly altered the structure and antioxidant status of intestinal rat tissue, which might lead to intestinal and digestive dysfunctions.

Keywords:

• Methomyl
• subacute
• subchronic
• toxicity
• oxidative stress
• duodenum
• colon

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express her gratitude to Professor Amir, head of service of Anatomopathology Laboratory, Mustapha Bacha Hospital, for providing the necessary facilities to achieve the histopathological examination of this work. The authors express their sincere thanks to the following team members: M.E.F. Ousmaal, M. Mezaguer, S. Hadj-Rabia, L. Kechkoul, S. Boudjellaba, and S. Belhocine.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).