Background: Lindane is a persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic organochlorine insecticide. Human exposure to lindane (gamma hexachlorohexane) occurs via food and water. It is largely known to cause toxicity in various organs, such as the liver, brain, and testes. Appreciable amounts of lindane also accumulate in the heart. However, the effect of chronic lindane exposure on the heart is not well investigated.
Material/methods: The present study was designed to explore the effect of oral administration of lindane (1.5 and 7 mg/kg/day for 21 days) on lipid peroxidation, endogenous antioxidants (GSH, SOD and catalase), and histopathological changes (light and electron microscopic studies) of rat hearts.
Results: Lipid peroxidation of the heart, as measured by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, (TBARS) was increased, with a decrease in GSH level. An increase in SOD and catalase activities was observed in the 7-mg/kg/day dose of lindane. Interstitial edema in the myocardium was observed in both doses. Ultrastructural changes consisted of loss of integrity of the myofibrils, Z-band disruption, and mitochondrial damage.
Conclusions: This is the first study to report lindane-induced oxidative stress in the heart. Our observations have significant clinical relevance, as oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathogenesis and progression of major cardiovascular disorders.