Selenium modulates β-cyfluthrin-induced liver oxidative toxicity in rats

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Biochemistry
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Pesticide exposure, such as to β-cyfluthrin, can induce oxidative stress.
• Oxidative stress is linked to liver damage and biochemical alterations.
• Antioxidants may play a role in mitigating pesticide-induced toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if β-cyfluthrin causes oxidative stress and biochemical perturbations in rat liver.
• To determine the protective role of selenium against β-cyfluthrin-induced liver toxicity.

Main Methods:

• Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, selenium-treated, β-cyfluthrin-treated, and combined treatment.
• Animals received daily oral administration for 30 days.
• Key biochemical markers, including lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme activities, and liver enzymes, were measured.

Main Results:

• β-cyfluthrin administration increased lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, GST, GPx, GR) and reduced glutathione (GSH).
• Liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP) decreased, while LDH increased following β-cyfluthrin exposure.
• Selenium treatment modulated these oxidative stress markers and liver enzymes, maintaining them near normal levels.

Conclusions:

• β-cyfluthrin induces significant oxidative stress and biochemical disturbances in the rat liver.
• Selenium exhibits a protective effect against β-cyfluthrin toxicity by scavenging reactive oxygen species.
• Selenium supplementation can mitigate the adverse effects of β-cyfluthrin on liver function.