Assessment of the Protective Potential of Aloe barbadensis Against Diazinon-Induced Biochemical Changes in Albino Rats

Abstract

Diazinon is one of several organophosphate insecticides and is used extensively for both agricultural and household insect pests. Although diazinon is known to be effective as an insecticide, prolonged exposure to diazinon can lead to systemic toxicity, characterized by oxidative stress, hepatic impairment, changes in lipid metabolism, and damage to the kidneys. The study assessed the protective effects of Aloe barbadensis against biochemical changes induced by diazinon in albino rats. The study was based on an exposure to a sub-lethal dose of diazinon established after evaluating acute toxicity. The LD₅₀ for diazinon was found to be 300 mg/kg body weight and one-tenth of the LD₅₀ (30 mg/kg body weight) was used to repeat oral exposures. Observation and subsequent biochemical tests were conducted after 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of repetition of treatment with diazinon. Biochemical tests included measurement of enzymes and other proteins in the liver, as well as renal function. Repeated exposures to diazinon produced significant changes in the biochemical parameters, which were most evident after 28 days. For example, there was a significant increase in the activities of ALT, AST, ALP, and ACP. On the other hand, total protein, albumin, globulin, and albumin/globulin ratio dropped significantly. In addition, diazinon caused dyslipidaemia by causing an increase of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL, while causing a decrease of levels of HDL. It also caused kidney damage and dysfunction, as evidenced by increase in blood urea, creatinine, uric acid, and blood urea nitrogen, as well as sodium, potassium, and calcium. Administration of Aloe barbadensis helped to ameliorate all the changes observed in biochemical parameters. Most group data for the recovery group coincided with control values. The data show that the Aloe barbadensis is capable of providing protection against the biochemical changes caused by repeated exposure to diazinon, which can be explained by the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effect of its bioactive components.