Immunological, hematological and biochemical studies on the adverse effects of ethephon and gibberellic acid in adult albino rat and the possible protective role of vitamin C.
Description
Gibberellic acid (GA3) and Ethephon (ETP) are plant growth regulators that are largely used in agriculture of many countries to accelerate and control the production of a wide variety of vegetables and fruits. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of GA3 and/or ETP and protective effect of vitamin C on some immunological, hematological and hepatic parameters in male albino rats. Rats were divided into six groups (6 animals per group) as follows: 1) G1, was considered as control group, received saline solution (1ml/kg). 2) G2 received vitamin C (200 mg/kg). 3) G3 received GA3 (75 mg / kg). 4) G4 was given ETP (150 mg/kg) 5) G5 received vitamin C+ GA3 with the same previous doses. 6) G6 was given vitamin C+ ETP with the same previous doses. All doses were given orally and once daily for six weeks. The results demonstrated that administration of GA3 and/or ETP induced alterations and adverse effects in most of the measured parameters. The immunological parameters showed significant decrease in levels of Immunoglobulins (Igs), IgG, IgA, and IgM and significant increase in serum pro-inflammatory cytokines INF-γ, TNF- α, IL-1β and IL-6 compared with control group. In addition, significant increase in WBCs and lymphocytes and significant decrease in neutrophil were recorded. The results also showed a significant decrease in RBCs with a decrease in hemoglobin content compared with control group. Hepatotoxic effect of both GA3 and ETP was indicated in the present study by significant elevated levels of ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, bilirubin and AFP and significant decreased levels of total proteins and albumins. Liver lipid peroxidation (MDA) and serum NO were significantly elevated in GA3 and ETP groups compared with control group, on the other hand, both GA3 and ETP caused a significant decrease in liver antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT and GSH content. Administration of vitamin C with GA3 and/or ETP ameliorated the all previous studied parameters compared with GA3 and/or ETP groups. So, it could be concluded that both GA3 and ETP could induce immunological disturbance, liver dysfunction and injury, alteration in hematological parameters and oxidative stress and vitamin C could ameliorate these changes and this may be attributed to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and free radicals scavenging properties.
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the current study was conducted to examine the possible modifying effects of vitamin C against humoral immunity representing by immunoglobulin levels, cytokines production, hematological alterations, liver toxicity and injury and oxidative stress markers induced by GA3 and ETP in male albino rats.