ABSTRACT
Acrylonitrile [a chemical pollutant] has been reported to induce harmful effects in humans. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of hesperidin, a natural bioflavonoid, against the toxicity induced by acrylonitrile [AN] in rats. This study includes determination of serum total scavenger capacity "TSC", liver enzymes [aspartate transaminase "ASAT", alanine transaminase "ALAT" and alkaline phosphatase "ALP"], total proteins, albumin, glucose, creatinine, urea and lipid profile. Moreover, liver and kidney homogenate glutathione content "GSH", catalase, superoxide dismutase "SOD", glutathione peroxidase "GPx", malondialdehyde "MDA" and some minerals were estimated. Revealed that administration of AN [orally 50mg/ kg b.wt.] induced alterations in TSC level as well as liver, kidney and lipid profiles. In addition, a decrease in GSH-content and catalase, SOD and GPx activities was observed with an increase in MDA levels in both liver and kidney. There was disturbance in certain minerals such as Cu, Zn, Fe, Se, Ca, Mg and Mn. Particularly, Hesperidin administration [orally 200 mg/kg b.wt.] ameliorates the oxidative stress induced by AN, consistent with the reported antioxidant activity of hesperidin