Background: Methomyl (ME), a carbamate insecticide, is widely used in agriculture and public health programs to control various pests. However, its excessive use can lead to adverse health effects, including toxicity to the liver, kidneys, and hematopoietic system.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of vitamin C (Vit. C) against the toxic effects of methomyl (ME) in male albino rats.
Materials and Methods: Seventy-two male rats were divided into four groups: a control group, a methomyl-intoxicated group, a vitamin C-treated group, and a group co-treated with both vitamin C and methomyl. Each group was further subdivided into three subgroups based on treatment duration: 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and a 3-week recovery period after 6 weeks of treatment.
Results: Hematological analysis of the methomyl-intoxicated group revealed elevated white blood cell and platelet counts, along with decreased red blood cell count and hemoglobin content. Co-administration of vitamin C and methomyl mitigated these effects. Biochemically, the methomyl-treated group exhibited significant increases in hepatic enzyme activities (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase), as well as elevated serum lipid profiles (total lipid, total cholesterol, and triglycerides). Additionally, renal markers, including urea and creatinine, were elevated in the methomyl-treated group. Conversely, serum total protein and albumin levels were significantly decreased. The recovery period and co-treatment with vitamin C partially ameliorated these biochemical alterations compared to the control group.
Conclusion: Vitamin C administration can alleviate the toxic effects induced by methomyl.