Investigation of the effect of N-acetylcysteine on aluminum phosphide toxicity in rats

Abstract

Aluminum Phosphide (ALP) is one of the most dangerous pesticides. When it comes into contact with water, it emits Phosphine (PH3) gas, which causes poisoning and death in many people. The purpose of this study is to look into the role of N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of aluminum phosphide toxicity in rats. In this study, 30 male Wistar rats were fed with aluminum phosphide orally. After 15 minutes, N-acetylcysteine was administered intraperitoneally. The antioxidant enzymes glutathione S-Transferase (GST), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Transaminase (ALT), and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALK) were studied in blood plasma. CAT, GST, and GSH concentrations in plasma, liver, and kidneys of rats infected with aluminum phosphide decreased, while AST, ALT, and ALK concentrations increased. The levels of all enzymes studied approached normal after N-acetylcysteine administration, and the rats survived for up to 12-15 hours. According to the findings of this study, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) at a dose of 10 mg/kg improves hepatic manifestations and prevents liver necrosis, so it can be considered a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of this poisoning.

Zinc Phosphide Poisoning: From A to Z

“…Oxidative stress and the production of free oxygen radicals (ROS) mediate the mechanism of phosphine toxicity; therefore, using antioxidants such as N-acetylcysteine, glutathione, melatonin, vitamin C, vitamin E and carotenes [2] may be beneficial and limit toxicity [6]. Experiments in rats concluded that N-acetylcysteine reduces phosphideinduced myocardial oxidative damage [6], replenishing cellular glutathione [14,25,37], and improves hepatic manifestations and prevents hepatic necrosis [2]. In 2018, a case where a woman was poisoned with zinc and aluminum phosphide was reported; she survived due to treatment based on NAC, digoxin and insulin [6,38].…”