Lipid Peroxidation, Free Radical Scavenging Enzymes, and Glutathione Redox System in Blood of Rats Exposed to Propoxur

Pesticides may induce oxidative stress leading to generation of free radicals and alterations in antioxidants or oxygen free radical (OFR), scavenging enzymes. Hence, the effect of subchronic/chronic propoxur (2-isopropoxy phenyl N-methyl carbamate) on lipid peroxidation, OFR scavenging enzymes, and glutathione redox system was evaluated in blood samples obtained from rats. Malondialdehyde level (in serum) and activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase (in red blood cells), glutathione peroxidase (in whole blood), glutathione reductase (in plasma), and glutathione S-transferase (in serum) were increased in a dose-dependent manner following administration of propoxur (10, 30, or 90 mg/kg body weight/day) for 30 days. However, a decrease was observed in blood glutathione level. These results indicate the possible involvement of free radicals in propoxur-induced toxicity. Increased lipid peroxidation coupled with altered levels of OFR scavenging enzymes and glutathione redox system in blood are discussed in the context of oxidative stress.