The Potential Protective Effects of Ascorbic Acid against Dichlorvos-Induced Hepatotoxicity

BACKGROUND: The reliance on commonly used organophosphates for agricultural purposes still poses significant health risks to local agricultural farmers. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of ascorbic acid against dichlorvos-induced liver toxicity using animal models. METHODOLOGY: After dividing twenty-five (25) Wistar rats randomly into five groups, group 1 (control) was exposed to clean air at room temperature while groups 2 and 3 were exposed to 10ml and 20ml dichlorvos (DDVP) solutions, respectively. Groups 4 and 5 were exposed to their respective 10ml and 20ml dichlorvos (DDVP) solutions and subsequently administered with 2ml of ascorbic acid orally per day. The exposures were conducted in well-ventilated chambers at 4 hours daily for 21 days. Body weight, serum liver enzyme markers such as alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), albumin (ALB) and total bilirubin (TB) levels, and liver histopathology were evaluated upon completion of the 21-day exposure. RESULTS: Study results demonstrated that DDVP-exposed rats showed significant changes in body weight and liver enzyme levels, and severe histopathological liver damage. On the contrary, observations from rat groups treated with ascorbic acid revealed significant body weight increases, lower levels of AST, ALT, and TB while ALB levels increased. Liver histomorphology showed reduced necrosis and central vein congestions, as well as decreased hepatocytic distortions and cytoplasmic vacuolations. CONCLUSION: Study findings suggest that ascorbic acid could have hepatoprotective benefits against DDVP-induced liver toxicity, highlighting its potential therapeutic applications in ensuring liver health due to pesticide exposure.