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Hematological and Biochemical Alterations Induced by Sub-Acute Administration of Permethrin in Rats
Liliana Carmona-Aparicio1, Elvia Coballase-Urrutia1, Marisol Orozco-Ibarra2
1Laboratorio de Farmacología, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México 04530, Mexico.
Abstract:
Permethrin (PERM) is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide initially regarded as low risk. However, evidence now indicates that misuse and prolonged exposure can damage multiple physiological systems by disrupting enzymatic functions in subcellular structures. In this study, male Wistar rats were administered PERM (75, 150, or 300 mg/kg/day) for 15 days to assess its effect on hematological and biochemical parameters, including oxidative stress markers in the liver, kidney, and heart. Subacute PERM administration induced significant, dose-dependent toxicological alterations in exposed animals. Hematological analysis revealed impaired hematopoiesis, characterized by increased erythrocytes and platelets alongside decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, and red cell distribution width. Biochemical analysis revealed elevated liver enzymes and bilirubin, along with reduced albumin levels, indicating hepatic alterations associated with PERM. The assessment of oxidative stress revealed tissue-specific responses following PERM exposure. While GPx, CAT, and SOD levels remained unchanged, GR activity increased in the heart, and GST activity increased in the liver. Additionally, a substantial decrease in MDA was observed in both the liver and heart. These collective alterations found in PERM-subacute exposed rats suggest the potential for cellular damage with the possible development of chronic pathologies, warranting further investigation.
Insights
Permethrin (PERM) insecticide exposure causes significant hematological and biochemical changes in rats. These findings indicate potential cellular damage and the risk of chronic health issues from PERM toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Environmental Health
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Permethrin (PERM), a synthetic pyrethroid, was initially considered low risk.
- Emerging evidence highlights potential physiological damage from PERM misuse and prolonged exposure.
- Disruption of enzymatic functions in subcellular structures is a key concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the toxicological effects of subacute permethrin administration in male Wistar rats.
- To assess the impact of PERM on hematological parameters.
- To evaluate biochemical alterations and oxidative stress markers in the liver, kidney, and heart.
Main Methods:
- Male Wistar rats were administered varying doses of PERM (75, 150, 300 mg/kg/day) for 15 days.
- Hematological parameters were analyzed to assess blood cell counts and hemoglobin levels.
- Biochemical assays were performed on liver, kidney, and heart tissues to measure enzyme activities, bilirubin, albumin, and oxidative stress markers (GPx, CAT, SOD, GR, GST, MDA).
Main Results:
- Subacute PERM exposure induced dose-dependent toxicological alterations.
- Hematological analysis showed impaired hematopoiesis, with increased erythrocytes and platelets, and decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, and RDW.
- Biochemical analysis revealed hepatic damage (elevated liver enzymes, bilirubin; reduced albumin) and tissue-specific oxidative stress responses, including increased GR in the heart, increased GST in the liver, and decreased MDA in liver and heart.
Conclusions:
- Subacute permethrin exposure causes significant hematological and biochemical disruptions in rats.
- Observed alterations suggest potential for cellular damage and development of chronic pathologies.
- Further research is warranted to understand the long-term health implications of permethrin toxicity.
