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Abstract
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The chronic intake of fluoride (F)-contaminated groundwater, clinically manifested as fluorosis, is a significant disease burden worldwide. Similarly, dimethoate (DM), a broad-spectrum organophosphorus insecticide, is one of the most indiscriminately used insecticides in many parts of the world, posing health risks to exposed humans and animals. In the present subacute study, adult Wistar rats were exposed to DM (1/10th LD50) and F (4.5 ppm) in drinking water alone and in combination to evaluate the effect of coexposure on hepatic parenchyma and to evaluate the attenuating potential of Zingiber officinale (ZO) extract against this combined toxicity. The coexposure to the toxicants significantly (p < 0.05) increased levels of MDA (146.35 ± 11.79) and AOPP (2.85 ± 0.27) and reduced TAS (12.98 ± 0.65), TTH (1.06 ± 0.24), and activities of CAT (1301.12 ± 77.84), SOD (263.59 ± 9.69), GPx (109.02 ± 2.97), GR (18.12 ± 1.24), and AChE (9684.13 ± 526.84) in hepatic tissues compared to control. These observations further corroborated with the significantly (p < 0.05) increased activities of plasma hepatic biomarkers (alanine and aspartate aminotransferase, total plasma proteins, and albumin). Similarly, the liver of the coexposed rats suffered significant (p < 0.05) histopathological damage. However, the alterations in antioxidant and biochemical biomarkers and histopathological changes were greater in the coexposed group. Concurrent supplementation of hydroalcoholic extract of ZO rhizome, a widely used home remedy, significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the combined hepatotoxic effects in Wistar rats.
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