Sublethal ethion-induced changes in the cardiac biochemistry of albino rats

Ethion [(O, O, O′, O′-tetraethyl S, S′-methylene bis (phosphorodithioate))], an organophosphorus (OP) compound, has been widely used as an insecticide, acaricide, and ovicide for over seven decades in agricultural and veterinary practices. The present study aimed to assess the sublethal effects of ethion on protein metabolism in the cardiac tissue of adult male Wistar Albino rats. Rats were orally administered ethion at a sublethal dose (1/5th of the LD₅₀, i.e., 42 mg/kg body weight) over a 30-day period with a 48-hour interval between doses. The animals were randomly assigned to four groups: Group I served as the control; Group II received ethion treatment for 10 days; Group III for 20 days; and Group IV for 30 days. At the end of the respective exposure periods, animals were sacrificed, and heart tissues were collected for biochemical and histopathological analyses. The results demonstrated a reduction in total protein levels in the ethion-treated groups compared to controls. Other parameters associated with protein metabolism showed a progressive increase, with the most significant alterations observed in the 30-day exposure group. Histopathological examination of the cardiac tissues revealed dose-dependent damage, including slight infiltration (SI), blood vessel congestion (BVC), degeneration of muscle fibres (DMF), and severe necrosis of cardiac muscle fibers (SNCMF), particularly in the group exposed for 30 days. These findings indicate that ethion disrupts protein metabolism in cardiac tissues, leading to physiological impairments and structural damage in the hearts of Albino rats. The study highlights the potential cardiotoxic effects of prolonged sublethal ethion exposure.