Toxicological potential and the fate of the insecticide chlorpyrifos in laying hens

The present study was conducted to investigate the toxicological effect and the fate of the insecticide chlorpyrifos in laying hens. Chlorpyrifos and some of its degradation products have been prepared in our laboratory for the present investigation. Hens, were fed 40 ppm of chlorpyrifos in the feed for two months followed by one month recovery period. After 30 days of the experiment, both plasma and red blood cells-cholinesterase activity showed a moderate inhibition amounting to 32.4 and 17.9%, respectively. Liver and kidney functions as well as lipid profile of the treated hens were significantly increased during the experiment periods. All the blood parameters returned to the control values after one month recovery period except liver enzymes [ALT, AST and alkaline phosphatase]. The residual analysis of the extracts of both eggs and different organs of laying hens revealed that, there was a considerable amount of the parent compound which amounted to: eggs [0.02 ppm], fat [0.095 ppm], liver [0.093 ppm] and muscles [0.007 ppm] at the end the experiment. Chromatographic analysis by TLC and HPLC showed the presence of four degradation products in addition to the parent compound chlorpyrifos

Influence of ginger [Zingiber officinales Rosc] on chronic toxicity induced by the organophosphorus insecticide "chlorpyrifos" in laying hens

Pesticides may induce toxic symptoms and alteration of most blood enzymes in experimental animals. Ginger rhizome [Zingiber officinales] is one, of the best known spices, which has also been universally used throughout history for its health benefits. For evaluation of the toxic effect of subchronic exposure to chlorpyifos, the protective effect of ginger rhizome, an indigenous medicinal plant was studied through estimation of different blood parameters at different time intervals. These blood parameters are the red blood cells [RBCs] and plasma cholinesterase activity, liver and kidney functions, level of cholesterol and triglycerides as well as the main metabolites of chlorpyrifos in laying hens. Administration of diet contaminated by chlorpyrifos at a dose of 40 ppm for two months followed by one month recovery period led to a slight inhibition of RBC and plasma cholinesterase and significantly increased the activity of liver enzymes, namely alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alkaline phosphatase [ALP] activities. Total protein and albumin were slightly decreased and serum creatinine and blood urea were significantly increased. Cholesterol and triglycerides were slightly increased. The main metabolites detected in the extracts of eggs and different organs of laying hens were 3, 5, 6-Trichloro-2-hydroxypyridine, chlorpyrifos oxon, desethyl chlorpyrifos and desethyl chlorpyrifos oxon, in addition to the parent compound, which were identified and confirmed by tic and hplc. Feeding hens on a diet containing dursban at a dose of 40 ppm and Zingiber officinales Rose [ginger 1%, w/w], significantly ameliorate the toxic effect of chlorpyrifos. This results indicate the possible chemoperventive action of ginger and emphasize the potential of natural plant products as chemopreventive agents