Cypermethrin and chlorpyrifos raises serum urea level and causes abnormal sperm morphology in Wistar rats

Abstract

Chlorpyrifos (organophosphate) and cypermethrin (pyrethroid) are insecticides, which are widely used for agricultural as well as for domestic purposes. This study investigated the toxicological effect of chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin on selected organs and tissues of male Wistar rats. Nine (9) male Wistar rats were randomly grouped into three and were orally given chlorpyrifos or cypermethrin, while the control group was given distilled water for 28 days. The results revealed a significant increase (p<0.05) in rat serum AST activity for the chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin groups. Also, there was significant elevation in serum urea following oral exposure to either chlorpyrifos or cypermethrin. Conversely, a reduction in the rat liver ALP activity for treatment with cypermethrin or chlorpyrifos was recorded. The histology results revealed that the administration of chlorpyrifos but not cypermethrin for 28 days has no significant effect on the biochemical properties and sperm morphology of the rats. Taken together, findings indicate that cypermethrin and chlorpyrifos exposure in rats predisposes to renal injury, while altering sperm morphology.