Biochemical evaluation of hepatic damage in subchronic exposure to malathion in rats: Effect on superoxide dismutase and catalase activities using native PAGE

The aim of this study was the evaluation of the hepatic damages following a subchronic exposure to malathion, an organophosphorus (OP) insecticide. Malathion was administered intragastrically in 1 ml corn oil containing 100 mg/kg Body Weight daily for 32 days. Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were analysed using a non-denaturing electrophoresis. The serum activities of Pseudocholinesterase (PchE), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) were determined. Malathion exposure leads to a significant decrease in AchE activity, an increase in hepatic MDA, and in serum ASAT and ALAT activities. A positive correlation between serum transaminases levels and hepatic MDA was demonstrated. These results indicate that malathion exposure induced lipid peroxidation LPO, a process of degradation of membrane lipids, involving the deterioration of the cellular integrity. We have recorded a slight increase in antioxidant enzymes activities. This leads us to suggest an insufficient elimination of free radicals, causing cytotoxic effects.