Vitamin C and curcumin supplementation protects laboratory mice from buprofezin-induced toxicity

Abstract

Purpose Buprofezin is a type-1 chitin synthesis inhibitor insecticide used to control a variety of insect pests at immature stages but potential adverse effects on non-target organisms and humans have been raised. The present study determined buprofezin toxicity after 4 weeks exposure to Balb/c mice and investigated the role of vitamin C and curcumin as possible protective agents. Methods Mice were exposed orally for 28 days to low, medium and high buprofezin doses (50, 100 and 250 mg.kg-1 bw respectively). Only high dose animals were co-treated with vitamin C and curcumin (100 mg.kg-1bw dose each), alone or in combination. Data were analyzed statistically; P<0.05. Results Results demonstrated that medium and high buprofezin doses were toxic to mammalian tissues. Supplementation with vitamin C and curcumin alleviated toxicity by significant (P<0.001) lowering of ROS and TBARS whilst increasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes SOD, POD and CAT. Similarly, serum ALT, AST, ALP, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDH, creatinine and urea levels that were significantly elevated (P<0.05) and decreased tissue proteins upon exposure to buprofezin were restored to near normal values with vitamin C and curcumin. Similar protective effect was obtained (P<0.001) for hematological parameters. Histology and comet assay of liver and kidney further confirmed reduction in buprofezin-induced cellular and DNA damage and preservation of tissue integrity with vitamin C and curcumin. Conclusion Both vitamin C and curcumin are therefore effective remedial measures against buprofezin-induced toxicity but in combination, they are more effective.