Protective effects of resveratrol on permethrin-induced fetotoxicity in rats

Abstract

Synthetic pyrethroid insecticides have been widely used for years to prevent harmful effects of insects and control disease vectors. In this study, the effects of resveratrol against the potential toxicity of permethrin, an effective pyrethroid derivative, on the fetus were investigated. Accordingly, Wistar female rats were divided into four groups as Control, Sham, Permethrin, and Permethrin + Resveratrol. Lung, liver, kidney and small intestine of developing fetuses were evaluated histopathologically. Also, Bone Morphogenetic Protein-4 (BMP-4) in bone tissue development and Fibroblast Growth Factor-1 (FGF-1) expressions in lung were examined immunohistochemically. All structures in the Control and Sham groups were normal. Permethrin caused epithelial damage, regression in bronchial and primitive alveolar development in the lung; congestion, edema and sinusoidal dilatation around the central vein in the liver; tubular epithelial degeneration, regression in glomeruli and tubule formation in the kidney; epithelial degeneration and irregularity in the villus structure in the small intestine. Immunohistochemical results indicated that permethrin administration decreased BMP-4 levels in bone tissue and FGF-1 levels in lung. Resveratrol application was found to greatly alleviate histopathological and immunohistopathological variability in all tissues. Oral consumption of permethrin by pregnant rats caused growth retardation and tissue damage in many different tissues in offspring. Intake of resveratrol during pregnancy showed protective effects against fetotoxicity caused by permethrin.