1Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hafr Al Batin University, Hafr Al Batin, Saudi Arabia
*Corresponding Author: Ibtesam, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hafr Al Batin University, Hafr Al Batin, Saudi Arabia, Email: esalanazy@uhb.edu.sa
The organophosphorus pesticide Malathion (MAL) is widely used in agriculture; however, it is toxic to the liver, kidney andbrain tissues of vertebrates. This study investigated how Artemisinin (ART) protects liver, kidney and brain tissues from MAL toxicity in male albino rats.
Forty Wistar rats, including eight mature males, were randomly assigned to five different groups. The control group received normal saline and the treatment groups received ART (100 mg/kg), MAL (200 mg/kg), MAL + ART (50 mg/kg), or MAL + ART (100 mg/kg) daily for 28 days.
MAL markedly elevated serum concentrations of AST, ALP, ALT, LDH and γ-GT, in addition to cholesterol, urea, uric acid, creatinine and cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and 8-OHdG (p<0.05). Conversely, levels of total protein, albumin, triglycerides and AChE diminished. The tissue analysis revealed elevated levels of MDA and NO, but GSH and the activity of antioxidant enzymes SOD, GSH-Px, CAT were diminished. ART co-treatment (50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly improved these disturbances (p<0.05), restoring serum biochemical and antioxidant status. ART demonstrates excellent therapeutic potential for treating MAL-induced damage to livers, brains and kidneys, which makes it an attractive solution for organ protection in public health.
Antioxidants, Artemisinin, Hepatotoxicity, Malathion, Nephrotoxicity, Neurotoxicity
