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BLOOD CHOLINESTERASE ACTIVITIES AFTER MALATHION POISONING IN LIVER INJURY.
N Nikoukar1, E P Kumar, B Suresh
1Depatment of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, Rockland, Ootacamund, Niligiris - 643 001.
Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
|April 21, 2016
Summary
Malathion pesticide exposure significantly lowers cholinesterase levels in rats, especially with pre-existing liver damage. This research highlights increased toxicity risks for individuals with liver conditions when exposed to pesticides.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Environmental Health
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Organophosphate pesticides like malathion pose significant health risks.
- Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a known hepatotoxin used to induce liver injury in experimental models.
- Understanding pesticide toxicity in individuals with compromised liver function is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute and chronic toxicity of malathion in rats.
- To assess the impact of malathion toxicity on liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride.
- To evaluate the effects of malathion on cholinesterase activity and liver enzymes in the presence and absence of liver damage.
Main Methods:
- Rats were exposed to LD50 and sublethal doses of malathion for acute and chronic toxicity studies.
- Hepatotoxicity was induced using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4).
- Erythrocyte cholinesterase (EChE), plasma cholinesterase (PChE), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were measured.
Main Results:
- Acute malathion exposure, with or without CCl4, significantly reduced EChE and PChE levels.
- Chronic malathion exposure led to significantly lowered blood cholinesterases (ChE) and elevated AST and ALT levels, persisting for 2 weeks post-exposure.
- Acute co-administration of CCl4 and malathion did not significantly alter AST and ALT activities.
Conclusions:
- Pre-existing liver diseases may enhance toxicological responses to pesticides like malathion.
- Malathion toxicity affects cholinesterase activity and can exacerbate liver enzyme alterations, particularly in chronic exposure scenarios.
- Individuals with liver conditions should exercise caution regarding pesticide exposure due to potentially heightened risks.