α-tocopherol modulates liver toxicity of the pyrethroid cypermethrin

The objective of the current study was to analyze the hepatotoxic effect caused by cypermethrin (CYP) in rats, and to evaluate the possible protective effect of the antioxidant alpha -tocopherol (alpha -T). Fifty male Wistar rats were given daily i.p. doses of 300 mg/kg per day of CYP during 7 days. Half of them were administered three previous doses of 100 mg/kg per day of alpha -T, followed by seven subsequent oral doses of 40 mg/kg per day of alpha -T. The levels of biochemical indicators and histological liver damage were determined, as well as DCVA in urine. CYP altered the lipid metabolism. Such alterations were inhibited 32% by alpha -T, except for LDL. Alterations in AST were modulated in 29%. In the histology, alpha -T reduced mitochondria damage, and swelling of the endoplasmic reticulum of the liver cells. The results suggest that alpha -T can modify CYP metabolism, changing the lipidic profile and the histological analysis. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.