Abstract
The aim of this present study was to analyze the hepatotoxic effect of malathion in adult male rats and evaluate the possible hepatoprotective effect of vitamin E and/or selenium. Oral administration of malathion for 45 days significantly induced marked hepatic injury as revealed by increased activity of the plasma enzymes (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and gamma-glutamyl transferase GGT). Oral administration of vitamin E and selenium in combination with malathion exhibited a significant protective effect by lowering the elevated plasma levels of the previous enzymes. Light microscopic investigation revealed that malathion exposure was associated with necrosis of hepatocytes, marked changes of liver tissues in the form of dilated veins, hemorrhagic spots and some degenerative signs of hepatocytes. Co-administration of vitamin E and selenium with malathion to rats showed mild histopathological changes. Thus, it appears that vitamin E and/or selenium ameliorate malathion hepatotoxicity but are not completely protective.