Protective effect of gallic acid against lindane induced toxicity in experimental rats

Lindane is an organochlorine pesticide that persists in the environment, bioaccumulate through food chain and has a risk of causing adverse effects to human health and the environment. It induces cell damage by producing free radicals and reactive oxygen species. The aim of the present study is to investigate the protective effect of gallic acid (a plant derived polyphenol) against lindane induced hepatic and renal toxicity in rats. Liver damage was assessed by hepatic serum marker enzymes like SGOT, SGPT and ALP and histopathological observation. Renal damage was observed by histopathological examination and serum markers like creatinine and urea. Treatment with lindane increased the levels of lipid peroxidation, serum marker enzyme activity with a concomitant decrease in GSH, CAT, SOD, GPx and GST. Histological alterations were also observed in kidney and liver tissue with lindane treatment. Co-treatment of gallic acid significantly prevented the lindane induced alterations in kidney and liver tissues with a decrease in LPO, serum marker enzyme activity and a significant increase in antioxidant levels. These results suggest that gallic acid has protective effect over lindane induced oxidative damage in rat liver and kidney.