Recovery Effects of Resveratrol and Berberine Against Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, Biochemical, and Pathological Damage in Rats with Imidacloprid-Induced Hepatorenal Toxicity

Abstract Imidacloprid (IMI) is a neonicotinoid insecticide which can cause toxic effects in many non-target organisms. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of resveratrol (RES; 20 mg/kg body weight) and berberine (BBR; 100 mg/kg body weight) on the liver and kidney tissues of rats induced with IMI in terms of oxidative, biochemical, immunohistochemical, and histopathological effects. For this purpose, 42 rats were divided into seven equal groups and the test substances were administered orally for 28 days. An increase in MDA levels was observed in the liver and kidney tissues of rats treated with IMI, while a decrease was observed in antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GPx, GST). Additionally, changes occurred in liver (AST, ALT, ALP, LDH) and kidney (BUN, creatinine, urea, uric acid) function markers. A decrease in TAS levels was observed in IMI treated rats, while an increase in TOS levels was observed. Furthermore, a significant increase in IL-17, 8-OHdG levels, TNF-α, and caspase-3 immunoreactivity, and a decrease in AChE activity were detected. Histopathological examinations revealed hepatocyte degeneration, sinusoidal dilatation, and cellular infiltration in the liver, while tubular degeneration and congestion were detected in the kidney. Co-treatment with IMI plus RES and/or BBR resulted in a significant amelioration of oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and biochemical alterations in rat liver and kidney tissues. In this study, the toxic effects of IMI were further reduced when RES and BBR were administered together. Therefore, it can be stated that RES and BBR exhibit a synergistic effect.