THE POSSIBLE PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF ALPHA-LIPOIC ACID ON INDUCED OXIDATIVE STRESS OF FIPRONIL ON THE KIDNEY IN ADULT MALE ALBINO RATS

Introduction: Fipronil is a widely used insecticide in agriculture, households, and industry; however, it poses significant health risks due to its environmental persistence, dietary absorption, and occupational exposure. The kidney is particularly vulnerable and serves as a target organ for pesticide-induced damage. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a potent antioxidant, naturally produced in the human body, and abundant in plants and animals.Aim: This study aims to evaluate the potential oxidative stress caused by fipronil on the kidney and to assess the antioxidant properties of ALA. Materials and Methods: Thirty rats were randomly categorized into three groups, each consisting of 10 rats: group I (control), group II received fipronil at 10 mg/kg, and group III was administered fipronil along with ALA at 200 mg/kg. The experiment lasted 40 days. Blood samples were collected to assess kidney function and oxidative stress parameters. Additionally, gross, histological, and immunohistochemical examinations were conducted.Results: The fipronil group (group II) revealed significant oxidative stress and impaired kidney function. The kidneys appeared slightly enlarged with purple spots on the surface, as well as congestion and red spots on cut sections. Light microscopic examination revealed extensive damage, including congested and atrophied glomeruli, dilated, irregular and degenerating renal tubules, massive interstitial hemorrhage, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Ultrastructural analysis showed detachment of podocytes, disruption of podocyte foot processes, degenerating tubular cells with heterochromatic nuclei, widened and irregular basal membrane infoldings, disorganized mitochondrial arrangement, excessive lysosomes, and cytoplasmic vacuolations. Increased apoptosis was also observed as evidenced by Bax staining. Administration of ALA in group III led to a significant reduction in kidney dysfunction and oxidative stress, accompanied by marked improvements in gross, histological, and immunohistochemical findings.Conclusion: Fipronil induces oxidative kidney damage, while ALA demonstrates a significant nephroprotective effect in reducing fipronil’s toxicity.