Effect of Malathion (Organophosphate) on Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases, Blood Cell Count and Reproductive Hormones as well as Ros Level of Male Rat

Abstract

Malathion, one of the oldest and probably most widely used organophosphate insecticides worldwide, is used to prevent ectoparasite insects on fruits and vegetables, mainly on agricultural crops. Our study was designed to observe the effects of malathion on some enzymes like catalase and glutathione, on some hormones like folicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and testosterone, on Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMP) like MMP1, MMP2, and on blood cells in rats. We had used some techniques like spectrophotometry to study catalase and glutathione activity. ELISA for FSH, LH, and testosterone activity studies; protein zymography for MMP activity and haemocytometry for total and differential counts of blood cells It was observed that all hormones and enzymes expression was decreased, as was the total and differential count of blood cells. But in the case of MMP activity, both MMP1 and MMP2 expression were considerably increased under the effect of malathion. As most of the agricultural crops and fruits are consumed by humans, and as both rats and humans share one-fourth of the human genome, this study could help with research on the effects of malathion in the environment as well as on the restriction or dosage estimation for malathion use in both ecological and agricultural aspects.