Effect of methoxychlor on liver function, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidants in experimental rats

Methoxychlor (MXC), a widely used pesticide, poses significant toxicological risks to various biological systems. It is an environmental contaminant and the only organochlorine pesticide still using instead of DDT. Endocrine disruption of MXC is also under investigation.This study aimed to investigate the effects of MXC on antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation, and liver metabolism in experimental rats.

Male Wistar rats were divided into control and treatment groups, with the latter receiving 150 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg body weight (BW) of MXC via oral administration for 30 days. Liver function was assessed by measuring circulating biomarkers, including Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Aspartate Transaminase (AST), and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP). Oxidative damage was evaluated by determining Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS), hydroperoxide (HYP), and other lipid peroxidation markers. Key enzymes involved in antioxidant defense mechanisms were also analyzed in the liver of experimental animals.

Our results demonstrated a significant increase in ALT, AST, and ALP levels in the serum of rats exposed to MXC, indicating impaired liver function. This was accompanied by elevated lipid peroxidation, further emphasizing oxidative stress. Moreover, the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, GPx, and CAT were markedly reduced in the MXC-exposed groups compared to the controls, suggesting a compromised antioxidant defense system.

These findings suggest that methoxychlor exposure disrupts liver function and induces oxidative stress by enhancing lipid peroxidation, thereby depleting natural antioxidant defenses. This study highlights the potential hepatotoxic effects of methoxychlor and underscores the role of oxidative stress in mediating its toxicity.