Hepatoprotective Effects of Curcumin Against Dichlorvos-induced Toxicity in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

The liver is essential for metabolism, detoxification, and homeostasis, but it is susceptible to toxins such as dichlorvos (DDVP), a common pesticide that, despite its effectiveness, causes multiple organ toxicities, such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which account for 2 million deaths annually (3.5% of all deaths worldwide). Since there are few effective treatment options, liver transplantation is still the only practical option, so research is focused on traditional medicine, specifically curcumin, a bioactive compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, to lessen the damage caused by DDVP. This study investigated the effects of curcumin on liver function, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis markers in male Wistar rats exposed to DDVP. Thirty-two male Wistar rats (180-200g) were divided into four groups (n=8): Group A (Control) received 2 mL/kg of olive oil orally; Group B was exposed to 8 mg/kg of DDVP daily; Group C received both DDVP and curcumin (100 mg/kg orally); Group D received only curcumin (100 mg/kg orally). Treatments lasted six weeks, after which rats were euthanized using ketamine (40 mg/kg) and liver tissue was collected for biochemical assays (ALT, AST, ALP, MDA, GSH, SOD, CAT, TNF-α, IL-1β and CRP) and histological analysis (Hematoxylin and Eosin staining). DDVP exposure significantly elevated hepatic and inflammatory markers, while curcumin treatment reduced these levels, demonstrating its hepatoprotective effects. Histological findings revealed curcumin-mediated regeneration of DDVP-induced hepatic damage. In male Wistar rats, exposure to dichlorvos, curcumin showed notable hepatoprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis while promoting liver regeneration.