Pathologic effect of sub-chronic exposure of cypermethrin and sodium fluoride in Wistar rats

Environmental toxicity due to pesticides, metals and non metals is producing havoc to public health. Toxic effects of sub chronic exposure of cypermethrin, a synthetic pyrethroidandsodium fluoride, the most electronegative non-metalwas studied in Wistar rats, with respect to oxidative damage, biochemical and histopathological alterations in liver. Rats were divided into four groups of six each: group I was used as control. Group II, III and IV were orally treated with cypermethrin (25 mg/kg body weight), Sodium fluoride (8mg/kgbody weight) and cypermethrin plus sodium fluoride, respectively for 45 days. Cypermethrin and sodium fluoride in combination (group IV) produced a marked decrease in haematological parameters including haemoglobin, PCV, TEC, MCV, MCH, TLC and lymphocytes as well as significant increase in neutrophils compared to other grioups. Biochemical estimation showed significant increase in enzymes (ALT, AST and ALP), glucose and urea, and significant decrease in total protein and albumin in rats with combined toxicity. The mean values of SOD, GSH and catalase revealed significant decrease while there was significant increase in LPO in liver homogenate in toxicity groups. Grossly, liver was pale with occasional presence of pinpoint haemorrhages and mottling on the dorsal surface. Microscopically, liver revealed congested and distended sinusoids with hyperplasia of Kupffer cells, sub-acute hepatitis characterized by area of necrosis of hepatocytes along with infiltration of mononuclear cells and degenerative changes. These changes were more marked in combined toxicity group.