TOXICITY INDUCED BY IMIDACLOPRID AND INDOXACARB EXPOSURE IN MALE ALBINO RATS AND THE POSSIBLE PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF VITAMIN E

The present study aimed to evaluate the detrimental effects of exposure to imidacloprid at a dose of 22.5 mg/kg body weight (equivalent to 1/20 of its LD50), indoxacarb (86.6 mg/kg bw, 1/20 of LD50), and their combination on hematological and biochemical parameters in male Albino rats, administered through repetitive oral doses for 28 days. Additionally, the study focused on evaluating the protective role of Vitamin E in mitigating the hepatorenal toxicity induced by these insecticides. The exposure to imidacloprid and indoxacarb, along with their combination caused a notable decrease in body weight and liver weight, while kidney weight increased. Treatment with imidacloprid, indoxacarb, and their mixture significantly decreased red blood cell counts (RBCs), hemoglobin concentration (g/dL), and platelets (PLT). In addition, significant increases were observed in the levels of key liver and cellular enzymes, including serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). These enzymes are biomarkers of liver damage and cellular injury, and their elevated levels indicate hepatotoxicity and potential liver cell damage. Both insecticides and their combination caused increased levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), which is a key enzyme that helps neutralize free radicals in response to oxidative stress. However, the levels of other crucial antioxidants like glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) were significantly reduced, indicating an overall imbalance in the liver's oxidative defense system. Regarding the kidney functions, the exposure to imidacloprid, indoxacarb, and their combination resulted in significant changes in the serum levels of albumin, globulin (total protein), creatinine and uric acid in the treated rats. Also, the present results indicated that the administration with vitamin E has mild role in alleviating all these toxicological effects.