Immunoprotective activity and antioxidant properties of cactus (Opuntia ficus indica) extract against chlorpyrifos toxicity in rats.
Opuntia ficus indica (family Cactaceae) is a typical Mediterranean plant, mainly used in food and traditional folk medicine. The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of Opuntia ficus indica extract against chlorpyrifos (CPF)-induced immunotoxicity in rats. The experimental animals consisted of four groups of Wistar rats (5-6 weeks old) of eight each: a control group, a group treated with CPF (10mg/kg), a group treated with Opuntia ficus indica extract (100mg/kg), and a group treated with cactus extract then treated with CPF. These components were daily administered by gavage for 30days. After treatment, immunotoxicity was estimated by a count of thymocytes, splenocytes, stem cells in the bone marrow, relative weights of thymus and spleen, DNA aspects, and oxidative stress status in these organs. Results showed that CPF could induce thymus atrophy, splenomegaly, and a decrease in the cell number in the bone marrow. It also increased the oxidative stress markers resulting in elevated levels of the lipid peroxidation with a concomitant decrease in the levels of enzymatic antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GPx) in both spleen and thymus, and also degradation of thymocyte and splenocyte DNA. Consistent histological changes were found in the spleen and thymus under CPF treatment. However, administration of Opuntia ficus indica extract was found to alleviate this CPF-induced damage.
Laboratory of Active Biomolecules Valorisation, Higher Institute of Applied Biology of Medenine, University of Gabes, 4119 Medenine, Tunisie; Research of Macromolecular Biochemistry and Genetics, Faculty of Sciences of Gafsa, University of Gafsa, 2112, Tunisie. Electronic address: smidaamani@yahoo.fr.
Amani
A
Smida
Research of Macromolecular Biochemistry and Genetics, Faculty of Sciences of Gafsa, University of Gafsa, 2112, Tunisie; Faculty of Science, Jazan University, Saudi Arabia.
Saida
S
Ncibi
Laboratory of Active Biomolecules Valorisation, Higher Institute of Applied Biology of Medenine, University of Gabes, 4119 Medenine, Tunisie; Research of Macromolecular Biochemistry and Genetics, Faculty of Sciences of Gafsa, University of Gafsa, 2112, Tunisie.
Jihen
J
Taleb
Laboratory of Active Biomolecules Valorisation, Higher Institute of Applied Biology of Medenine, University of Gabes, 4119 Medenine, Tunisie; Research of Macromolecular Biochemistry and Genetics, Faculty of Sciences of Gafsa, University of Gafsa, 2112, Tunisie.
Anouar
A
Ben Saad
Unit of Common Services, Faculty of Sciences Gafsa, University of Gafsa, 2112, Tunisie.
Sana
S
Ncib
Laboratory of Active Biomolecules Valorisation, Higher Institute of Applied Biology of Medenine, University of Gabes, 4119 Medenine, Tunisie.
Lazhar
L
Zourgui
D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D001854:Bone Marrow Cells / Q000187:drug effects; D004390:Chlorpyrifos / Q000633:toxicity*; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000633:toxicity*; D007109:Immunity / Q000187:drug effects*; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000187:drug effects; D029747:Opuntia / Q000737:chemistry*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013154:Spleen / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D013163:Splenomegaly / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000187:drug effects; D060168:Thymocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000187:drug effects
D000975:Antioxidants; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D010936:Plant Extracts; D004390:Chlorpyrifos
Chlorpyrifos; Immunotoxicity; Opuntia ficus indica; Oxidative stress