Physiological Aspects of Buprofezin Toxicity on Albino Mice

Abstract

Buprofezin is a type-1 chitin synthesis inhibitor insecticide used to control hemipteran insects. It is generally considered safe for humans, but its persistent nature can be a health hazard. Adverse effects on mammals are remaining to be explored. The present study investigated broader toxic effects of buprofezin on liver and kidney tissues of mice upon short-term exposure for 24 h. Four groups were formulated (sample size: n = 7). Group-1 control, whereas groups-II, III and IV were treated intraperitoneally with 400, 600 and 800 mg/kg b.w doses of buprofezin respectively. Comparisons were made statistically at p < 0.05. Results revealed no pronounced change in body weight and liver, kidneys organ’s weight, but increased activities of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine and urea, ROS and TBARS (thiobarbutaric acid) in liver and kidney tissues in the experimental groups. Concomitant significant decrease occurred in tissue total protein, antioxidants enzymes, the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) and non-enzymatic reduced glutathione (GSH). Significantly altered histomorphology of liver and kidney tissues revealed excessive tissue damage. Congestion, hepatocytic necrosis, sinusoidal damage in liver, while in kidneys, glomerular shrinkage, capillary damage, widened Bowman’s space and lumens of tubules and collecting ducts and necrosis of tubular epithelial cells were evident. TUNEL assay confirmed apoptosis, while Comet assay demonstrated DNA damage as revealed by an increase in the head length, tail length, comet length, tail moment and olive tail moment. The study concludes that buprofezin is highly toxic for mammalian tissues and warrants further biochemical, molecular, and cellular studies