The Protective Role of β-Carotene and Hesperidin on Some Hematological and Myocardial Measurements against Imidacloprid Toxicity in Albino Rats

Neonicotinoids including IM (Imidacloprid) are widely used as plant systemic insecticides. Several studies have indicated that pesticide toxicity may be associated with the enhanced production of ROS (reactive oxygen species). Both β-carotene (βC) and hesperidin (H) have an antioxidant property and quench free radicals. This study aimed to clarify the protective role of β-carotene and hesperidin as natural antioxidants on IM induced toxicity in hematological parameters and markers of cardiac muscle activity in male albino rats. The treatment of rats with IM showed a significant decrease in hemoglobin (Hb %), MCH (mean corpuscular hemoglobin), MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration), HCT (hematocrit) values and RBCs count comparing with control group. On the other hand, MCV (mean corpuscular volume), WBCs (white blood cells) and Plts (platelets) count pronounced a significant increase in IM group comparing to control. Also, αFP (plasma alpha fetoprotein), CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen), CK (creatine kinase), CK-MB (creatine phosphokinase myocardial band) and LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) clarify a significant increase in IM group comparing to control. Both β-carotene and hesperidin mitigate the deleterious effects of IM on previous parameters. β-Carotene and hesperidin may protect hematopoietic system and heart muscle against toxicity of IM. These improvements of the results clarify the protective effect of the used antioxidants. Conclusion: -carotene and hesperidin, natural antioxidants, have a protective effect against IM evoked hematological and biochemical changes.