Effects of anti-oxidants, NOX inhibitor (DPI), and anti-apoptotic pathways on carbohydrate metabolism and liver function in acute aluminum phosphide toxicity exposed rats

Aluminum phosphide (AlP) is widely used in suicide attempts. We evaluated the effects of Diphenylene iodonium (DPI), N- N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), and Nivocasan therapeutics on AlP toxicity. Thirty rats were kept in five groups: control (receiving normal saline); the remaining groups were exposed to oral AlP, and treatments (NAC, DPI, and Nivocasan). Liver function tests (LFTs), serum and liver oxidative markers, insulin, glucose, tumor necrosis factor−α (TNF-α), serum and islets interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion through islet isolation were assessed. LFTs significantly increased in AlP poisoned animals, and NAC, DPI, and Nivocasan decreased their levels to near control (P < 0.05). DPI and Nivocasan recovered AlP-induced hypoglycemia. Plasma catalase, GPx, and MDA increased in the AlP group, and NAC, DPI, and Nivocasan had protective effects (P < 0.05). DPI significantly decreased serum TNF-α, and NAC decreased IL-1β levels. NAC reversed AlP-induced lower insulin secretion (P < 0.05). Aluminum phosphide (AlP) induces hypoglycemia and liver damage. AlP-related hypoglycemia is associated with elevated inflammatory and oxidative stress markers and impaired insulin secretion from pancreatic islets which improved by NAC. DPI and Nivocasan treat hypoglycemia. DPI and NAC were effective in reducing inflammatory markers.