Sub-acute effects of diazinon on biochemical indices and specific biomarkers in rats: Protective effects of crocin and safranal

In this study, the effects of crocin and safranal were studied against sub-acute toxicity of diazinon (DZN) on specific biomarkers, biochemical indices and enzymes levels in rats. Vitamin E (200 IU/kg), safranal at doses 0.025, 0.05 and 0.1 ml/kg and crocin at doses 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg were injected intraperitoneally three times per week alone or with DZN (20 mg/kg/day, orally) for 4 weeks. The parameters were evaluated at the end of 4 weeks. Diazinon did not change serum urea, creatinine, cholesterol, triglyceride, total and direct bilirubin levels. Total protein and albumin concentrations were decreased by diazinon. Crocin, safranal and vitamin E prevented the effect of diazinon on some biochemical indices and enzymes levels. The levels of serum TNF-alpha, direct 8-iso-prostaglandin F-2 alpha and soluble protein-100 beta (S100 beta) were increased significantly by diazinon. The augmentation of direct 8-iso-prostaglandin F-2 alpha and S100 beta levels by diazinon was significantly decreased by crocin, safranal and vitamin E. TNF-alpha level was significantly decreased in diazinon plus crocin 50 and 100 mg/kg treated groups compared to the diazinon group. This study showed that vitamin E, safranal and crocin could prevent diazinon induced enzymes elevation and augmentation of some specific biomarkers. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.