Acute Exposure to Dichlorvos and Cypermethrin on Fasting Blood Glucose, Insulin and Liver Enzymes in Male Wistar Rats

Dichlorvos (DDVP) and Cypermethrin (CP) are major pesticides used in agriculture to control agricultural pests and household insects and pests. Exposure to DDVP and CP is associated with the risk of developing diabetes. However, there are few studies that have reported the dose effects of DDVP and CP exposure on blood glucose levels and liver enzymes. This study investigated the effects of acute exposure to low and high doses of DDVP and CP on fasting blood glucose, insulin and liver enzymes in male Wistar rats. Thirty-five (35) male Wistar rats weighing between 170 g-200 g were used in the study. They were randomly divided into seven groups of 5 animals per group (N=5). Groups 1, 2 and 3 animals received distilled water, 4 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg DDVP orally and respectively for 7 days. Animals in groups 4, 5, 6 and 7 received CP12 mg/kg, CP 24 mg/kg, combined DDVP (4 mg/kg) and CP (12 mg/kg), combined DDVP (8 mg/kg) and CP (24 mg/kg) orally and respectively for 7 days. After 7-day treatment and overnight fasting, body weights, fasting blood glucose, insulin level and levels of liver enzymes of the rats were measured. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was determined. Blood glucose was measured using modified glucose oxidase method. Serum levels of insulin and liver enzymes Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphatase, (ALP) were determined using ELISA. The results of the study showed that acute exposure to low and high doses of Dichlorvos, Cypermethrin, combined DDVP and CP caused significant increase in fasting blood glucose, and insulin levels compared with the control in the rats. However, dichlorvos at low and high doses produced more significant increases in blood glucose and insulin levels compared with low and high doses of CP, and combined DDVP and CP. Also, acute exposure to Dichlorvos and Cypermethrin caused significant decrease in body weights of the animals and increased concentration of liver enzymes. In conclusion, the study showed that acute exposure to low and high doses of DDVP and CP caused insulin resistance and fasting hyperglycemia. Acute exposure to low and high low doses of DDVP and CP also caused liver damage, increase in concentrations of liver enzymes and reduction in body weight of rats.