Abstract:

Methidathion (MD) is an organophosphate insecticide and acaricide used in both agricultural and urban areas throughout the world including Algeria. The objective of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of Artemisia campestris (Ac) leaf aqueous extract on sub-acute four-week’s oxidative damage induced by MD on the hematological system and renal integrity of rats. The animals were randomly divided into four groups of seven each: group I served as control which received standard diet; group II received only Ac (5g/l) while the third group received only MD (5mg/kg b.w.by gavage using corn oil as vehicle). Rats in the fourth group (MD+Ac) were treated with MD and Ac extract. Results showed that lipid peroxidation increased significantly in MD-treated rats, as evidenced by high renal malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. As well as, the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathion-s-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), and the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) content in renal tissue decreased by MD. On the other hand, a significant increase in plasmatic levels of total protein, urea and creatinine levels was observed in MDtreated group. However, the treatment of Ac extract with MD-treated rats has maintained the biochemical parameters cited above. The changes in hematological and biochemical parameters were substantiated by histological data. In conclusion, our results indicated a possible mechanism of MD-induce nephrotoxicity and plasma biomarkers were disturbed. Artemisia campestris leaf aqueous extract ameliorated the toxic effects of this pesticide in renal tissue suggesting their role as potential antioxidants. Keywords: Methidathion, Artemisia campestris, Biochemical studies, Kidney, Oxidative stress, Rat.