Cytoprotective effect of l-carnitine against mancozeb-induced oxidative damage in human erythrocytes

Abstract

Mancozeb is a commonly used fungicide that protects crops from numerous fungal pathogens. However, due to its widespread application, mancozeb has emerged as a significant human health hazard. Mancozeb causes oxidative damage to human cells, including erythrocytes. In this study, we have investigated the cytoprotective potential of the dietary antioxidant, l-carnitine, on mancozeb-induced oxidative damage in human erythrocytes. Incubation of erythrocytes with 100 μM mancozeb for 24 h caused a substantial elevation of markers of hemoglobin, lipid and protein oxidation. Intracellular levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species were considerably increased, and the antioxidant defense system of erythrocytes was severely compromised. Several enzymes catalyzing vital metabolic processes in erythrocytes were significantly inhibited. Mancozeb damaged the plasma membrane, increasing osmotic fragility and cell lysis. Membrane damage resulted in morphological transformation of the normal biconcave erythrocytes to echinocytes and stomatocytes. Erythrocytes incubated with l-carnitine (100–750 μM) for 2 h prior to mancozeb treatment showed a marked reduction in oxidative damage. l-carnitine effectively neutralized free radicals and reactive species, thereby significantly diminishing oxidative stress. The activities of antioxidant and metabolic enzymes were also restored. Preincubation with l-carnitine stabilized the erythrocyte membrane and maintained its standard biconcave shape. Incubation of erythrocytes with l-carnitine alone did not alter any of the above parameters. Thus, l-carnitine can serve as an effective protectant against pesticide-induced cytotoxicity in human erythrocytes.