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Protective effect of sodium aescinate on lung injury induced by methyl parathion
1Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, NO. 32, Qingquan Road, Yantai 264005, Shandong, China.
Abstract:
Methyl parathion (MP) is a high venenosus insecticide. It has been used in pest control of agriculture for several years. The present study is performed to investigate the protective effect of sodium aescinate (SA) on lung injury induced by MP. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats are randomly divided into five groups, with 8 animals in each group: control group, MP administration group, MP plus SA at doses of 0.45 mg/kg, 0.9 mg/kg and 1.8 mg/kg groups. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and nitric oxide (NO) level in plasma, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, NO level, and antioxidative parameters in lung tissue are assayed. Histopathological examination of lung is also performed. The results show that SA has no effect on AChE. Treatment with SA decreases the activity of MPO in lung and the level of NO in plasma and lung. The level of malondialdehyde in lung is decreased after SA treatments. SA increases the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and the content of glutathione in lung. SA administration also ameliorates lung injury induced by MP. The findings indicate that SA could protect lung injury induced by MP and the mechanism of action is related to the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effect of SA.
Insights
Sodium aescinate (SA) protects against lung injury caused by the insecticide methyl parathion (MP). SA reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for MP-induced lung damage.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Methyl parathion (MP) is a widely used organophosphate insecticide with known toxicity.
- MP exposure can lead to significant lung injury, posing a risk to agricultural workers and the environment.
- Developing effective countermeasures against MP-induced toxicity is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of sodium aescinate (SA) against methyl parathion (MP)-induced lung injury in a rat model.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of SA's protective action, focusing on anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative pathways.
Main Methods:
- Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to MP and treated with varying doses of SA.
- Assays included plasma acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, nitric oxide (NO) levels, lung myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and antioxidant parameters (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione, malondialdehyde).
- Histopathological examination of lung tissue was conducted to assess injury severity.
Main Results:
- SA treatment did not affect AChE activity but significantly reduced MPO activity and NO levels in lung and plasma.
- SA decreased malondialdehyde levels while increasing the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione content in lung tissue.
- Histopathological analysis confirmed that SA administration ameliorated MP-induced lung injury.
Conclusions:
- Sodium aescinate demonstrates significant protective effects against methyl parathion-induced lung injury.
- The protective mechanism involves potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities of SA.
- SA represents a promising therapeutic agent for mitigating organophosphate insecticide-induced lung damage.
