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Protective effects of myrtenol against paraquat-induced toxicity in rats
Fatemeh Amin1,2, Hosein Basirat3, Najmeh Parvaz4
1Physiology-Pharmacology Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran.
Background:
Paraquat (PQ) is a widely used pesticide, can cause severe intoxication and respiratory failure. Myrtenol (Mrl), an essential oil derived in various plants, exhibits several biological properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. This study aims to investigate the protective potential of Mrl against oxidative stress and inflammation caused by PQ exposure.
Methods:
Twenty-five Wistar albino rats were divided into the following groups (n = 5 in each group): a control group (treated by dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)), a PQ group (exposed to 54 mg/m³ aerosol PQ), and two treatment groups that were exposed to PQ aerosol and administered oral Mrl at doses of 25 mg/kg/day and 50 mg/kg/day, respectively. The final group was exposed to PQ aerosol and treated with oral dexamethasone at a dose of 0.03 mg/kg/day. Various hematological, oxidative, inflammatory, and pathological indices were measured at the conclusion of the treatment period.
Results:
PQ decreases the levels or activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and Thiol, while increasing the levels or activities of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Mrl restored activites of SOD, and CAT, as well as thiol levels to near-control values while reducing TNF-α, IL-6, and MDA levels. Pathological studies further confirmed the therapeutic effects of Mrl.
Conclusion:
The results of this study demonstrate the promising therapeutic effects of Mrl against inhaled PQ in rats.
Insights
Myrtenol (Mrl) shows protective effects against paraquat (PQ) induced lung injury in rats. Mrl treatment reduced oxidative stress and inflammation, demonstrating therapeutic potential for PQ intoxication.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products
Background:
- Paraquat (PQ) pesticide exposure can lead to severe intoxication and respiratory failure.
- Myrtenol (Mrl), a plant-derived essential oil, possesses known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Investigating Mrl's protective effects against PQ-induced oxidative stress and inflammation is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of Myrtenol (Mrl) against paraquat (PQ) induced lung injury.
- To assess the impact of Mrl on oxidative stress and inflammatory markers following PQ exposure.
- To compare the efficacy of Mrl with dexamethasone in mitigating PQ toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Wistar albino rats were exposed to paraquat (PQ) aerosol.
- Treatment groups received oral Myrtenol (Mrl) at 25 mg/kg/day or 50 mg/kg/day, or dexamethasone (0.03 mg/kg/day).
- Hematological, oxidative, inflammatory, and pathological indices were analyzed post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Paraquat exposure significantly altered oxidative and inflammatory markers, including decreased SOD, CAT, and Thiol, and increased TNF-α, IL-6, and MDA.
- Myrtenol (Mrl) administration dose-dependently restored SOD, CAT, and Thiol levels towards control values.
- Mrl treatment significantly reduced elevated TNF-α, IL-6, and MDA levels, with pathological findings supporting its therapeutic effects.
Conclusions:
- Myrtenol (Mrl) demonstrates significant therapeutic potential in mitigating paraquat (PQ) induced lung toxicity in a rat model.
- Mrl effectively counteracts paraquat-induced oxidative stress and inflammation.
- These findings suggest Mrl as a promising natural compound for managing paraquat poisoning.
