Abstract

ASSESSMENT OF ASCORBIC ACID MEDIATED PROTECTION AGAINST DICHLORVOS INDUCED SPLEEN TOXICITY

Doris Kasarachi Ogbuokiri, Enemuo Vivian Chiagozie, Okwuonu Ifeoma Frances,
Ezeokafor Emmanuel Nonso, Egbunike Chijioke Geoffrey, Chidinma Ifeyinwa
Mmaju, Chukwumbah Emmanuel C., Udechukwu Deborah N., *Obi Mmesoma Juliet

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the protective effects of ascorbic acid onthe spleen of adult male Wistar rats exposed to dichlorvos(DDVP), a widely used organophosphate insecticide commonlymarketed as Sniper. Dichlorvos is known to induce toxicitythrough oxidative stress and disruption of normal cellularfunctions, potentially affecting vital organs including thespleen. A total of thirty-six adult male Wistar rats weighing180–250 g were used for the experiment and randomly dividedinto six groups: control, dichlorvos only, low dose ascorbic acid+ dichlorvos, low dose ascorbic acid only, high dose ascorbicacid + dichlorvos, and high dose ascorbic acid only. Theexperiment lasted eight weeks, including two weeks ofacclimatization and six weeks of oral administration ofdichlorvos and/or ascorbic acid. Parameters assessed includedbody weight, spleen weight, hematological indices, oxidativestress biomarkers, and histological examination of spleentissue. Results showed that dichlorvos exposure produced mild alterations in some hematological parameters and increased oxidative stress markers, while administration of ascorbic acid demonstrated a moderating effect. However, statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in spleen weight and most hematological parameters across the experimental groups (p > 0.05). Histological observations suggested that ascorbic acid may help preserve splenic architecture and reduce potential oxidative damage induced by dichlorvos. In conclusion, the findings suggest that ascorbic acid possesses protective antioxidant properties that may mitigate the toxic effects of dichlorvos on the spleen. These results highlight the potential role of antioxidant supplementation in reducing pesticide-induced organ toxicity and contribute to the understanding of preventive strategies against organophosphate exposure.

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