Malathion-increased Hepatotoxicity in Diabetic Rats

Malathion (MT), an organophosphorus pesticide, induces hepatotoxicity and is associated with hyperglycemia and the development of diabetes mellitus. 

This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of sub-acute exposure to sub-lethal dose of MT in the liver of diabetic rats. 

Non-diabetic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats received MT at a dose of 150 mg/kg/day orally. After 28 days, fasting blood glucose, Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT), serum aminotransferases, and liver histopathology and antioxidant status were examined. 

MT impaired GTT, caused alteration in histopathology of histopathology and antioxidant status of liver in non-diabetic rats. Impairment in GTT did not observe in diabetic rats exposed to MT, but histopathology changes and antioxidant status alteration was more severe.

Repeated sub-lethal dose of MT exacerbated hepatotoxicity in diabetes condition through further impairment in the antioxidant defense system.