Nephrotoxic effects of malathion and protective role of vitamins C and E in rats

Malathion, an organophosphorous insecticide, is widely used in agricultural control and it caused toxic effects on nontarget organisms especially mammalian. In the present study, vitamin C (200 mg/kg day)+vitamin E (200 mg/kg day), malathion (27 mg/kg day), vitamin C (200 mg/kg day)+vitamin E (200 mg/kg day)+ malathion (27 mg/kg day) were given to male rats through gavage. Food consumption was recorded, body and kidney weights were weightened, histopathological changes were investigated using light microscope, serum urea, uric acid and creatinine levels were determined in the rats 4 weeks after the administration compare to control group. At the end of the 4th week food consumption, body and kidney weights decreased in malathion treated group and vitamin C+vitamin E+malathion treated group. While mononuclear cell infiltration, glomerular atrophy and break away in basal membran were detected in kidney tissue, serum urea, uric acid and creatinine levels were increased significantly in malathion and vitamin C+vitamin E+malathion groups compare to control group 4 week after the administration. As a result, vitamin C and vitamin E did not protect nephrotoxicity induced by malathion. Key Words : Kidney, malathion, vitamin C, vitamin E, histopathology