Hepatotoxic effect of dichlorvos and the protective role of Vitamin C and Vitamin E in rats

Dichlorvos is an organophosphate insecticide, which is widely used in pest control. In this study, vitamin C (200mg/kg) +vitamin E (200mg/kg), dichlorvos (1,6mg/kg), vitamin C (200mg/kg)+vitamin E (200mg/kg) +dichlorvos (1,6mg/kg) were given to male rats through gavage. Body and liver weights, serum total protein, albumin, AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, LDH, triglyceride, total cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol levels and pathological changes in liver tissue were investigated at the end of the 24hrs, 4 and 7 weeks comparatively with control group. When dichlorvos and vitamin C+vitamin E+dichlorvos treated groups were compared to control group, it is realised that body weights were decreased and liver weights were increased significantly at the end of the 4 and 7 weeks. When dichlorvos and vitamin C+vitamin E+dichlorvos treated groups were compared to control group, serum total protein, albumin, triglyceride, VLDL cholesterol levels were decreased and serum AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, LDH, total cholesterol levels were increased. However, when vitamin C+vitamin E+dichlorvos treated group was compared to dichlorvos treated group, it is determined that serum total protein, albumin, triglyceride, VLDL cholesterol levels were increased and serum AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, LDH, total cholesterol levels were decreased at the end of the 4 and 7 weeks. Light and electron microscopic investigations figured out pathological changes in hepatocytes and liver tissues in dichlorvos and vitamin C and E+dichlorvos treated groups after 4 and 7 weeks of exposure. As a result, vitamins C and E reduced dichlorvos-induced hepatotoxicity in rats, but vitamins C and E did not confer complete protection.