Potential protective effects of ginger and atorvastatin against diazinon-induced hepatotoxicity in rats: A comparative histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical study

Abstract

One of the most widely used organophosphorus insecticides for agricultural use is diazinon (DZ). In this study, we aimed to investigate the ameliorative effect of ginger (GE) and atorvastatin (ATR) against DZ-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Seven groups of 49 males were randomly created. Group 1 (saline); group 2 (GE group; 100 mg/kg/day orally); group 3 (ATR group; 20 mg/kg/ day orally); group 4 (DZ group; 20 mg/kg/ day orally); group 5 (DZ+GE); group 6 (DZ+ATR); and group 7 (DZ+GE+ATR) for 30 days. Liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and ALP) were significantly elevated in the serum of DZ-intoxicated rats, while albumin level was dropped. Also, DZ increased cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C and lowered HDL-C concentrations. Additionally, a significant elevation in hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) was recorded. Additionally, the antioxidant indicators glutathione, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and hepatic catalase (CAT) were significantly lower in the DZ-treated rats. Also, the hepatic architecture was disturbed by DZ, and the liver caspase-3 expression was considerably elevated in DZ treated group compared to control group. In DZ-intoxicated rats and co-treated with GE and ATR, there were increases in antioxidant biomarkers, decreases in MDA, and improvement in serum hepatic enzymes levels. In conclusion, GE and ATR have significant protective effects on DZ-induced hepatotoxicity via their antioxidative and antiapoptotic properties.