Short-Term of Malathion Intoxication on Lipid Peroxidation, Antioxidant Activity, and down-regulation of pro-Inflammatory Cytokines: Organophosphorus Pesticide Toxicity in Rat Model

Abstract Malathion (MAL), a kind of organophosphate pesticides (OPs), is one of the oldest phosphoric pesticides, which used for both domestic and commercial agricultural purposes. However, it possesses adverse effects and organ-specific toxicity in relation to the heart, kidney and other vertebrate organs. The exact effects of the short-term toxicity of MAL on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant activity, and pro-inflammatory cytokines is not yet clear enough. We evaluated lipid peroxidation (MDA level), antioxidant activity [superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)], TNF-alpha, and IL-1 bet in different tissues of MAL-treated Wistar rats, at doses of 50, 100, 200 and 150 mg/kg. After 14 days exposure, CAT and SOD activity, MDA level increased in most tissues. The histopathological results showed that the most sensitive tissues to MAL toxicity were liver, kidney, and heart. Also, in general, increased TNF-alpha measured as inflammatory cytokine compared to untreated rats. IL-1 beta levels showed a dual response to the toxic effects of MAL; increased in testis, kidney and lung tissues and decreased in liver, heart and blood tissues.The present findings reinforce the concept that short-term MAL toxicity can cause tissue damage while enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes and reducing cytokine levels.