Antiapoptotic effect of apigenin and vitamin E against deltamethrin induced toxicity in rats

Abstract

Deltamethrin was thought to be one of the safest pyrethroid insecticides and is being used in agriculture and home appliances. Apigenin has several beneficial and pharmacological effects. It is a natural flavonoid that is found in many plants. Vitamin E, fat soluble vitamin, is a well known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. The present study was performed to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of both apigenin and vitamin E against deltamethrin toxicity in rats. Administration of deltamethrin (5 mg/kg) orally for 30 days in rats revealed a significant increase in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels while significantly decreased albumin level as compared to control rats. Furthermore, deltamethrin induced apoptotic markers including caspase-3 and first apoptosis signal receptor ligand (FAS-L). Concomitant administration of apigenin (10 or 20 mg/kg), vitamin E (100 mg/kg) or combination of both apigenin (20 mg/kg) in combination with vitamin E (100 mg/kg) for the same period normalized most of the altered biochemical parameters. These results suggest that apigenin and vitamin E administration can protect the liver from deltamethrin intoxication.