Protective effect of curcumin on oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation against lambda cyhalothrin-induced liver damage in rats

LCT is a synthetic pyrethroid, developed as an insecticide for agricultural and public health applications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the adverse effects of LCT on rat liver and to elucidate hepatoprotective ability of CMN against LCT. Liver injury in male rats was induced by oral administration of LCT at a dose of 0.6 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks. CMN (200 mg/kg/day by oral administration) was used as a protective agent for the same period as LCT. Serum and liver samples were collected from all groups at the end of the experimental period. LCT-intoxication elicited significant elevations in hepatic markers enzymes (ALT and AST) and MDA concomitant with significant declines in the antioxidant enzymes (GPx, GST and GR), GSH and TP levels. In addition, it was noted that LCT-intoxicated group exhibited a degree of liver DNA fragmentation. Oral intake of CMN to LCT-intoxicated rats exhibited significant decrease in liver enzymes activities and lipid peroxidation, significant increase in antioxidant enzymes activities and partial inhibition in DNA fragmentation. Therefore, it was concluded that CMN has the ability to scavenge free radicals, protect against oxidative stress and prevent DNA fragmentation induced by LCT intoxication.