RESUMEN
Fenvalerate, a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide is used against a wide variety of insect pests in various agricultural, animal husbandry and public health operations. Indiscriminate and disproportionate use of pesticides has lead to many disorders on man and animal. Herbal medicines, an important group of multicomponent therapeutics, are widely and increasingly used worldwide. Wide range of potential therapeutic or preventive effects associated with curcumin has been suggested. This study was designed to assess the subchronic hepatotoxic effect of fen valerate and the possible protective role of curcumin on liver and to investigate the mechanism of such protection, if present. Thirty animals were divided into 3 groups [10 animals each], G1 [control group which was supplemented with 1 ml distilled water], G2 [animals were supplemented with 10 mg/kg [1/10 LD50] of fenvalerate], G3 [animals were supplemented with 10 mg/kg fenvalerate concomitantly with 200 mg/ kg curcumin]. The rats were treated once daily for 3 months orally by gavage. Blood samples were taken at the end of the 1[st], 2[nd], 3[rd] months for chemical studies and the animals were dissected for liver examination at the end of the experiment. Serum levels of liver function parameters [ALT, AST and ALP] were assayed. Antioxidant status was assessed through the determination of [total plasma SH, PON, GST], together with MDA which is a lipid peroxidation product. Histopathological changes in the hepatic structure and histochemical studies for glycogen content were investigated via light microscopic examination. Results showed significant elevation in liver enzymes parameters ALT, AST and ALP in G2 while in case of the group treated by curcumin [G3], serum ALT, AST and ALP were significantly lower than those of the fenvalerate group. The results also revealed significant reduction in SH protein, PON and GST with significant elevation in MDA in G2 throughout the experimental periods. Plasma SH, PON and GST were significantly improved under curcumin treatment when compared to the group treated with fenvalerate alone. The same was noted with MDA level which was significantly lower under curcumin therapy. These chemical results were confirmed by histopathological and histochemical studies; where damage in liver tissues was reported and depletion in glycogen content was pronounced in liver of G2. It was observed that treatment with curcumin in G3 produced a remarkable alleviation in the different histopathological and histochemical changes induced by fenvalerate intoxication. The present results suggest that despite fenvalerate is a relatively safe pesticide being a pyrethroid, yet it is capable of inducing hepatotoxicity. that can be significantly improved by concomitant curcumin therapy possibly through its free radical scavenging properties