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Biochemical and Histopathological Alterations in Different Tissues of Rats Due to Repeated Oral Dose Toxicity of
Mohamed S Ahmed1, Ahmed H Massoud2, Aly S Derbalah2
1Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt.
Abstract:
Evaluating potential adverse health impacts caused by pesticides is an important parameter in human toxicity. This study focuses on the importance of subchronic toxicity assessment of cymoxanil fungicide in rats with special reference to target biochemical enzymes and histopathological changes in different tissues. In this regard, a 21-day toxicity study with repeated cymoxanil oral doses was conducted. It has been shown that low doses (0.5 mg/kg) were less effective than medium (1 mg/kg) and high (2 mg/kg) doses. Moreover, high dose dose-treated rats showed piecemeal necrosis in the liver, interstitial nephritis and tubular degeneration in the kidneys, interstitial pneumonia and type II pneumocyte hyperplasia in the lungs, gliosis, spongiosis, and malacia in the brain, and testicular edema and degeneration in the testes. Cymoxanil significantly increased AST, ALT, and ALP in serum and liver, indicating tissue necrosis and possible leakage of these enzymes into the bloodstream. Creatinine levels increased, indicating renal damage. Similarly, significant inhibition was recorded in brain acetylcholinesterase, indicating that both synaptic transmission and nerve conduction were affected. Importantly, these histopathological and biochemical alterations were dose-dependent. Taken together, our study reported interesting biochemical and histopathological alterations in different rat tissues following repeated toxicity with oral doses of cymoxanil. Our study suggests future studies on different pesticides at different concentrations that would help urge governments to create more restrictive regulations concerning these compounds' levels.
Insights
This study assessed the subchronic toxicity of cymoxanil fungicide in rats. High doses caused significant liver, kidney, lung, brain, and testicular damage, impacting key biochemical enzymes and leading to histopathological changes.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Environmental Health
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Pesticide toxicity evaluation is crucial for human health risk assessment.
- Subchronic toxicity studies are essential for understanding cumulative effects of chemical exposure.
- Cymoxanil is a widely used fungicide requiring thorough toxicological profiling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the subchronic toxicity of repeated oral cymoxanil exposure in rats.
- To identify target organs and biochemical alterations induced by cymoxanil.
- To establish a dose-response relationship for cymoxanil-induced toxicity.
Main Methods:
- A 21-day repeated oral dose toxicity study in rats.
- Biochemical analysis of serum and liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP), creatinine, and brain acetylcholinesterase.
- Histopathological examination of liver, kidneys, lungs, brain, and testes.
Main Results:
- Dose-dependent adverse effects observed, with higher doses causing more severe damage.
- Significant histopathological changes included liver necrosis, kidney degeneration, lung hyperplasia, brain lesions, and testicular edema.
- Biochemical markers indicated tissue damage (elevated AST, ALT, ALP, creatinine) and neurotoxicity (acetylcholinesterase inhibition).
Conclusions:
- Repeated oral exposure to cymoxanil induces significant dose-dependent biochemical and histopathological alterations in multiple rat organs.
- The findings highlight the potential health risks associated with cymoxanil exposure.
- Further research on various pesticides and concentrations is recommended to inform regulatory policies.
