Background and purpose: Dichlorvos, an organophosphate insecticide, induces side effects on normal tissues. On the other hand, Royal jelly (RJ) with antioxidant activities has many medical benefits including liver toxicity. In this study, we investigated the role of RJ in improving dichlorvos adverse impact on the liver of male rats.
Experimental approach: Forty-eight male rats were randomly divided into 8 groups (n = 6); receiving by gavage normal saline (0.09%), dichlorvos (4 mg/kg/day), RJ (50, 100, 150 mg/kg/day; RJ 1, 2, 3) or dichlorvos + RJs, daily for 28 consecutive days. At the end of experiments, histopathology alterations, apoptosis induction, and biochemical factors related to the liver were evaluated.
Findings/results: There was a significant reduction in the number of hepatocytes and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels in the dichlorvos group compared to the control group, whereas these parameters in the dichlorvos + RJs groups, were significantly increased compared to the dichlorvos group. Central vein diameter, liver enzymes (aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase) serum levels of nitric oxide, and apoptotic index were significantly higher in the dichlorvos group than in the control, while these parameters were decreased in the dichlorvos + RJs groups versus the dichlorvos group.
Conclusion and implications: RJ at 50 mg/kg protected dichlorvos-induced liver damage in rats. Dichlorvos- hepatitis mechanism could be oxidative induction as long as antioxidant reduction leads to apoptosis in this organ, while RJ due to its antioxidant potential suppresses this hazardous cellular and molecular process.
Keywords: Antioxidants; Apoptosis; Dichlorvos; Liver.
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