Evaluation of hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity induced by fenpyroximate in subchronic-orally exposed Wistar rats.

Backgrounds: Fenpyroximate (FEN) is an acaricide that inhibits the complex I of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. The aim of this work was to explore the hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects of FEN on Wistar rats.

Methods: The study involved five groups: a control group and four groups treated with FEN at 1, 2, 4, and 8 mg/Kg bw for 28 consecutive days. Histological examination and biochemical analysis of hepatic and renal biomarkers were performed. The malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl levels, and antioxidant enzymes activities were measured. Comet assay was conducted to explore FEN genotoxicity.

Results: FEN induced a disturbance of the hepatic and renal functions as evidenced by an increase in AST, ALT, ALP, creatinine, and uric acid levels and histopathological modifications in the two examined tissues. FEN increased hepatic and renal lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation. The activities of liver and kidney SOD, CAT, , and GST are increased significantly in FEN-treated rats at doses of 2 and 4 mg/kg bw. However, with the dose of 8 mg/kg bw of FEN, these activities are decreased. Moreover, FEN increased DNA damage in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusion: FEN was hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic very likely through induction of oxidative stress.