Ameliorative effect of quercetin and nano-quercetin against hematotoxicity and biochemical alterations induced by triazophos in rats

The inadvertent use of pesticides in agriculture is leading to consumption of pesticide residues through food and water that is a matter of public health concern with toxico-pathological implications. We examined the effect of triazophos, an organophosphate insecticide on hematology and serum biochemical indices in Wistar rats. Further, the antioxidant flavonoid quercetin was utilized in its native and nano form to check for any protective effect against triazophos-induced toxicity. The Wistar rats were categorized into seven groups by random allotment. The control group rats orally received olive oil that was used as a vehicle. Triazophos was dosed by oral gavage to rats in two separate groups at 1/10^th and 1/20^th LD₅₀ doses. Two other groups of rats orally received quercetin and nano-quercetin at 50 mg/kg body weight. Further, quercetin and nano-quercetin were co-administered with high dose triazophos (1/10^th LD₅₀) in two more groups. The hematological and serum biochemical analysis were performed at the end of 60 days exposure period. Triazophos treatment significantly increased WBC and lymphocyte numbers, but a decrease was noticed in platelet numbers. Other hematological indices did not differ from control animals. The blood glucose levels were markedly elevated by triazophos, whereas total protein, albumin, globulin, and A: G ratio did not vary compared to control rats. Quercetin and nano-quercetin protected the rats against sub-chronic toxicity of triazophos by normalizing the altered blood cell numbers and glucose levels. In conclusion, nano-quercetin offered a better ameliorative effect than native quercetin in our study, possibly because of higher bioavailability.