Protective Role of Vitamin C Against Biochemical Enzymes Alterations Induced by Exposure of Allethrin Based Mosquito Coil Smoke on Cerebellum of Male Albino RatsAn Experimental Study

Introduction: Among synthetic pyrethroids, allethrin is widely used as active ingredient in mosquito coils. Many experimental studies have proved that pyrethroids cause neurotoxicity and results into derangements of biochemical enzymes including oxidative stress markers and antioxidant levels in brain.

Aim: To study alterations in biochemical markers (oxidative and antioxidant enzymes) in cerebellum of male albino Wistar rats induced by the exposure of allethrin-based mosquito coil smoke along with protective role of withdrawal and exogenously administered vitamin C on these markers.

Materials and Methods: This experimental study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, during October 2014-September 2015. Total 42 male albino Wistar rats were divided into four groups. The first group contained 12 rats was used as control, group II with 12 rats was given 8 hours daily exposure of allethrin-based mosquito coil smoke via whole body inhalation for 6 days in a week for a total of 12 weeks. Group III contained eight rats and was given exposure same as group II and were further kept for 8 weeks to see the withdrawal effect. Group IV with 10 rats was given same exposure as group II, along with oral administration of 20 mg/kg body weight vitamin C. After 12 weeks of exposure, cerebellum was dissected and then sent for biochemical enzyme estimation. Rats in group III were dissected after 8 weeks post 12 weeks of exposure. Comparisons were made between groups by using one way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).

Results: The exposure Group II showed significant rise (p<0.001) in level of oxidative stress marker enzyme Malondialdehyde (MDA) and significant (p<0.001) reduction in activities of antioxidants Glutathione Peroxidase (GPO), reduced Glutathione (GSH), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) in comparison to Group I, III and IV. In vitamin C administered group IV the above parameters were found to be less affected. Intergroup comparison of oxidative stress markers level showed significant intergroup difference between group I, II, group II, III and group II, IV.

Conclusion: Allethrin-based mosquito coil smoke causes oxidative stress in cerebellum of albino Wistar rats and vitamin C has ameliorative effect on biochemical alterations induced by sub-chronic whole body exposure of mosquito coil smoke.