Hepato-protective and repro-protective power of immulant (echinacea purpurea) against chlorpyrifos toxicity via apoptotic genes signaling pathway

Background

In agro practices, insecticides are applied to control insects, thereby boosting yields of crops or storage effectiveness, and minimizing monetary losses. The non-systemic category II (moderately harmful) organophosphate pesticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) enters the bodies of humans and animals through consuming food, inhalation, and/or contact with the skin. Immulant (Echinacea purpurea; IM) is an herbal remedy used by both Europeans and Native Americans depending on its numerous biological properties, which include antibacterial, mutagenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory effects. The study target is to evaluate the anti-apoptotic effect of IM against CPF toxicity.

Methods

Thirty-two adult male white albino rats were separated into four groups in equal (n = 8 rats per each) as follows: control group (C), chlorpyrifos group (CPF): rats administered CPF at a dose of 6.75 mg/kg b.wt, chlorpyrifos +immulant group (CPF + IM): rats orally gavaged CPF + IM at a dose of 6.75 mg/kg + 150 mg\kg b.wt, and immulant group (IM): rats given IM at a dose of 150 mg\kg b.wt. At the end of the study, blood samples were collected to obtain serum for testosterone and cholesterol estimation, and rats euthanized by cervical dislocation to collect liver and testes tissue samples for biochemical (caspase-3, c-Jun N-terminal kinase JNK, tumor suppressor gene P53, and activated protein kinase AMPk) and histopathological measures.

Results

Data revealed that CPF induced apoptosis in the liver and testes as exhibited by a significant increase in caspase-3, JNK, AMPk, and P53 levels, and degenerated hepatic and testicular tissues. Treatment with IM has positive effects against hepatic and testicular toxicity by reducing the apoptotic process by restoring the upset of the apoptotic genes and regenerating the degenerated hepatic and testicular tissues.

Conclusion

Immulant possesses anti-apoptotic and regeneration properties.