Estradiol and ascorbic acid alleviate malathion-induced lung damage in albino Wistar rats: A histopathological study

Abstract

Aim: To assess the modulatory role of estradiol and ascorbic acid in malathion-induced pulmonary toxicity in albino Wistar rats.

Methods: A total of twenty albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups; the control group (group 1) was given corn oil alone, the test group (group 2) received a daily dose of malathion 20 mg/kg in corn oil, treatment group A (group 3) was administered a daily dose of malathion 20 mg/kg in corn oil plus estradiol 40 µg/100 g (gram), and treatment group B (group 4) received a daily dose of malathion 20 mg/kg in corn oil plus ascorbic acid 100 mg/kg. Experimental rats were administered once daily for four weeks. The lungs were examined histopathologically using two staining methods (Hematoxylin and Eosin, Masson Trichrome).

Results: There were significant reductions in degeneration, interstitial pneumonia and interstitial fibrosis for group 3 (treatment group A) compared to group 2 (test group) (p<0.05). These reductions were more statistically significant for group 4 (treatment group B) compared to group 2 (test group) (p<0.01). Therefore, the damage was less pronounced and injury severity was moderate in group 3 treated with estradiol. Group 4, with ascorbic acid, showed the most improvement with significant tissue repair under microscopic examination and mild injury compared to group 3.

Conclusions: The results of our present study suggest that both estradiol and ascorbic acid have clear protective effects against malathion-induced lung injury. However, ascorbic acid exhibited more pronounced protective effects compared to estradiol. With more comprehensive studies, the positive effects of ascorbic acid and estradiol can be used to prevent lung damage in individuals exposed to malathion.