Chlorpyrifos Induced Cardiotoxicity in Rats and the Protective Role of Quercetin and Catechin

Abstract

In this study, chlorpyrifos, catechin, quercetin and catechin- or quercetin+chlorpyrifos were given to Wistar rats for 4 weeks. Chlorpyrifos increased the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT); decreased glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione–S-transferase (GST) activities in heart compared to the control. In catechin- and quercetin+chlorpyrifos groups, we observed the protective effects of flavonoids on examining parameters. Light microscopic investigations revealed that chlorpyrifos induced histopathological alterations in heart. Milder histopathological changes were observed co-treated with catechin- or quercetin+chlorpyrifos. As a result, catechin and quercetin significantly reduce chlorpyrifos induced cardiotoxicity in rats, but they aren’t protect completely.