The Role of N-Acetyl Cysteine on Reduction of Diazinon-Induced Oxidative Stress in Rat Liver and Kidney

Diazinon (DZN) as an organophosphate (OP) pesticide induces the production of free radicals and oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) as a n antioxidant against DZN- induced oxidative stress in rat liver and kidney. In the present experimental study, male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups including: control (vehicle, corn oil), DZN group (100 mg/kg), NAC group (160 mg/kg), and experimental group: co-treatment with NAC and DZN. Twenty four hours after injection, animals were anesthetized by ether, and then liver and kidney tissues were quickly removed. After tissues hemogenation, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, and the levels of glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured by biochemical methods. The data was statistically analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by post hoc analysis using Tukey tests. DZN increased SOD, CAT and GST activities in liver and kidney and LDH activity in liver. The decreased GSH content and increased MDA level in liver and kidney were also observed. Administration of NAC significantly decreased SOD, GST and LDH activities in liver and decreased CAT activity in liver and kidney. NAC increased GSH level in liver and kidney and decreased MDA level in liver. Diazinon probably causes free radical production, which leads to the enhanced lipid peroxidation membrane and depleted GSH content in liver and kidney. Administration of NAC by directly eliminating ROS and GSH synthesis and decreasing DZN toxicity, but it does not protect completely.