Evaluation of Chronic Low-Level Exposure to Cypermethrin and Dichlorvos on Oxidative Indices and Inflammatory Cytokines in Male Wistar Rats

Environmental contamination by chemical agents has been on the increase with pesticides being major contributors to the process. Exposure to pesticides such as Cypermethrin and Dichlorvos has raised concerns regarding their potential adverse effects on oxidative status in biological tissues. Studies have shown that even at low doses, these toxicants still elicit some toxic effects. 36 Male wistar rats weighing between 100 and 120g were purchased and acclimatized for 2 weeks in plastic cages in the animal house. The animals were fed and given water ad libitum. They were randomly assigned into different treatment groups; Control, Cypermethrin and Dichlorvos. The pesticides were administered at their referenced No Observed Adverse Effect Levels (NOAELs). The animals were sacrificed after administration of the pesticides for 30 days and their blood collected through cardiac puncture to be used in carrying out biochemical assays. Results obtained revealed significant elevations in the levels of Inflammatory Cytokines (Interleukin 1Beta, Interleukin 6 and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha). Further evaluation revealed significant alterations of the redox status of the rats administered with the toxicants as compared with the control. Our findings suggests that administration of Cypermethrin and Dichlorvos distorted the levels of the inflammatory markers assessed in the rats and as well was able to induce oxidative balance of the animals.