The Possible Protective Effect of Propolis (Bee Glue) on Cypermethrin-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Adult Albino Rats

Pyrethroid pesticides were used preferably over organochlorines and organophosphates due to their
high effectiveness, low toxicity to non-target organisms and easy biodegrability. It has widespread applications
in agriculture through the world resulting in increased human exposure to this compound. The
aim of present study was to evaluate the possible protective effect of propolis on hepatotoxic effect caused
by cypermethrin in adult male Albino rats. Fifty adult male albino rats were included in the current study
and classified into 4 groups. Group I (control) subdivided into (a): negative control reclived 2ml saline
arally daily and (b): positive control received orally daily 2 ml corn oil. Group II: received orally daily
(cypermethrin 14.5 mg/kg) dissolved in corn oil. Group III: received orally daily (propolis 200 mg/kg)
dissolved in saline. GroupIV: received orally daily (cypermethrin 14.5 mg/kg dissolved in corn oil + propolis
200 mg/kg dissolved in saline). After 4 weeks of treatment, blood samples were collected for estimation
of the levels of liver enzymes [ alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase
(AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP)], total proteins, albumin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, very low density
lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-c), then rats were sacrificed, the liver was excised, and subjected to
estimation of levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), antioxidant enzymes [catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase
(SOD), glutathion peroxidase (GPx)], and histopathological examination. Cypermethrin induced a
significant increase in the levels of liver enzymes, total cholesterol, and MDA. While total protein, albumin,
triglyceride, VLDL-c and antioxidant enzymes were decreased when compared to control rats. Histopathological
examination of the liver revealed congestion of central and portal veins with hydropic degeneration
of hepatocytes. Propolis administration with cypermethrin induced a significant decrease in
levels of liver enzymes, total cholesterol and MDA and a significant increase in the levels of antioxidant
enzymes, total protein, triglyceride and VLDL-c. Histopathological examination of the liver revealed apparent
improvement of lesions induced by cypermethrin. It was concluded that propolis has a beneficial
influences in reducing the hepatotoxic effects of cypermethrin in male Albino rats.