Abstract
Author(s): Kartheek RM and David M
Renal dysfunction as a consequence of pesticide exposure has been often discussed in scientific community. Nevertheless, literature support for same on new class insecticides have been in limited proportion. Fipronil (FPN), a new class phenylpyrazole insecticide is known for its action against insect pests that possess resistance ability over the conventional group of pesticides. An attempt was made in the current study to investigate the influence of FPN on biochemical and histopathological faction in kidney of Wistar rats. Experimental animals were divided in four groups; C, E1, E2 and E3 and received 0.0, 6.6, 12.12 and 32.33 mg/kg body weight of FPN respectively through oral gavage for 90 days. Results on antioxidant enzymes suggested significant decline (*p<0.01) in catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity in the kidney of exposed rats under groups E2 and E3 unlike E1 as compared to C. Similarly, a significant (*p<0.01) elevation in malondialdehyde level was also noticed indicating oxidative damage potential of FPN in rats under E2 and E3. The outcome was verified through histopathological investigation which demonstrated anomalies including damaged proximal and distal convoluted tubule, increase in tubular lumen, fibrosis and necrosis. Based on the outcome, it can be inferred that FPN inflicts dose dependent damage on kidney of rats under subchronic exposure duration and hence poses a potential threat. It is therefore recommended that care should be taken whenever FPN is used or disposed under mammalian proximity