Oral Administration of Vitamin C Attenuates Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in Dichlorvos-Induced Toxicity in Rats

Abstract

Background of the Study: Dichlorvos (DCLV) is a widely used organophosphate insecticide. Its exposure in humans has been linked to several adverse health effects. The harmful impact caused by dichlorvos on human health has increased the demand for protective measures against its exposure. Aim: This study, therefore, aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin C (VTT C) on pro-inflammatory cytokines, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukins (TNF-α and IL-6) and acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE) linked to dichlorvos. Materials and Methods: Rats were divided into three groups (8 animals/group); The first group served as a control (received corn oil), group 2 animals were orally treated with 2mg kg–1 body weight DCLV and group 3 animals received DCLV plus VTT C (2mg kg–1 body weight) for 21 days after which the blood and the brain were removed. Thereafter, plasma, red blood cell and lymphocytes were separated, and the biochemical parameters were determined spectrophotometrically. Results: Inhibition of AChE activities caused by DCLV in the RBC (65.8%) and the brain (55.8%) was significantly (p<0.001) reversed by Vitamin C treatment. Similarly, the treatment could mitigate the DCLV-induced increase in IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations in the rats' plasma, lymphocyte, and brain. Conclusion: This study suggests that vitamin C can attenuate brain damage induced by dichlorvos in rats.