The ameliorative effects of hesperidin in rats developed hepatotoxicity with deltamethrin

Deltamethrin (DLM) is a widely used insecticide in agriculture; however, exposure to it can lead to serious health problems. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of hesperidin (HSP), a natural antioxidant, against DLM-induced liver toxicity.

Thirty-two male Wistar Albino rats (250-300 g, 4 months old) were divided into four groups. The control group received 1 ml of corn oil via oral gavage for 30 days. The DLM group received 1.28 mg/kg DLM in corn oil for 30 days. The DLM+HSP 100 mg/kg and DLM+HSP 300 mg/kg groups received 1.28 mg/kg DLM followed by 100 mg/kg or 300 mg/kg HSP in distilled water, respectively, 30 min after DLM administration for 30 days. Liver tissues were examined histopathologically. Masson's trichrome staining and PCR assessed fibrosis. Caspase 3 and 9 expressions in liver tissues were determined by immunohistochemistry and PCR. Biochemical analyses were conducted on serum samples.

HSP supplementation led to a dose-dependent decrease in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. DLM exposure decreased antioxidant capacity, while HSP supplementation increased it dose-dependently. Histopathological evaluations showed increased liver damage in the DLM group, while HSP administration reduced liver toxicity. Masson's trichrome staining and analysis of collagen I (COL1A1) and collagen III (COL3A1) gene expression revealed increased fibrosis in the DLM group, which was attenuated with HSP treatment.

The potential prevention of DLM-induced liver toxicity and apoptosis by HSP may be an alternative protective strategy.