Changes in some hematological and biochemical indices of rabbits induced by isoflavones and cypermethrin

Protective effect of isoflavones on cypermethrin-induced changes in blood hematology, and plasma lipids, lipoproteins, glucose, urea, creatinine, total bilirubin and protein concentrations of male New Zealand White rabbits was studied. Rabbits were orally given sublethal dose of cypermethrin (24 mg/kg BW; 1/100 LD50), while isoflavones (2 mg/kg BW) was given alone or in combination with cypermethrin. The tested doses were given to rabbits every other day for 12 weeks. Results showed that cypermethrin caused a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the levels of plasma total lipids (TL), cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), while the level of high density lipoprotein (HDL) decreased. Isoflavones alone significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the levels of TL, cholesterol, TG, LDL and VLDL, and increased HDL, and alleviated the harmful effects of cypermethrin on lipid profiles. Cypermethrin caused a significant (P < 0.05) increase in glucose, urea, creatinine and total bilirubin. The concentrations of plasma total protein (TP) and albumin (A) were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in plasma of rabbits treated with cypermethrin, while globulin concentration and A/G ratio were not affected. Results showed that cypermethrin significantly (P < 0.05) decreased hemoglobin (Hb), total erythrocytic count (TEC) and packed cell volume (PCV), while total leukocyte count (TLC) increased. Isoflavones alone did not cause any significant change in these parameters, but minimized the toxic effect of cypermethrin. Results demonstrated the beneficial influences of isoflavones in reducing the negative effects of cypermethrin on blood hematology and biochemical parameters of male rabbits. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.