Propoxur-induced nephrotoxicity and haematotoxicity: Ameliorative role of ascorbic acid in adult male Wistar rats

Propoxur, a widely used carbamate insecticide, has raised concerns due to its potential toxicity to non-target organisms. Oxidative stress has been implicated as a key mechanism in pesticide-induced toxicity. Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), a potent antioxidant, may offer protection against such toxicity. This study aimed to investigate the nephrotoxic and haematotoxic effects of propoxur exposure in adult male Wistar rats and evaluate the potential protective role of vitamin C supplementation. The objectives included assessing changes in body weight, biochemical parameters (SOD, ROS, TNF-α), haematological indices, kidney function markers, and histological alterations in response to propoxur exposure and vitamin C intervention. Propoxur exposure resulted in significant weight loss, increased (p>0.05) ROS levels, decreased (p<0.05) SOD activity, and elevated uric acid levels. Histological examination revealed renal haemorrhage, tubular necrosis, and glomerular congestion in propoxur-treated rats. Vitamin C supplementation ameliorated some of these effects, normalizing body weight, reducing ROS levels, enhancing SOD activity, and improving renal histology. Haematological parameters showed subtle changes, with significant alterations observed in Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) across all treatment groups. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that propoxur induces nephrotoxicity and subtle haematological alterations in adult male Wistar rats, primarily through oxidative stress mechanisms. Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) supplementation exhibits significant protective effects against propoxur-induced toxicity, highlighting its potential as a preventive intervention. These findings contribute to our understanding of pesticide-induced health risks and the role of antioxidant strategies in mitigating these effects, with important implications for public health and environmental toxicology.