Lindane-induced biochemical perturbations in rat serum and attenuation by omega-3 and Nigella sativa seed oil

Lindane (gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane, gamma-HCH), a highly persistent organochlorine insecticide is neurotoxic at acute doses and has been reported to induce oxidative stress in cells and tissues. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant property of Nigella sativa seed oil (N.O) and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega3) against gamma-HCH-induced oxidative hepatic and renal damage in male rats serum. Rats were orally given sublethal dose of gamma-HCH (12 mg/kg, 24 h prior to decapitation), while N.O (0.3 ml/kg) and omega3 (20 mg/kg) were given every 48 h for 20 days single or together, or also combined with gamma-HCH. gamma-HCH caused a significant increase in the levels of serum total lipids, cholesterol, and triglycerides by 49, 61 and 30% respectively, while HDL-cholesterol decreased by 45% compared to control group. Pretreatment with omega3 and N.O prior gamma-HCH administration re-established the altered biochemical features and alleviated the harmful effects of gamma-HCH on lipid profile. The concentration of serum total protein and albumin was significantly decreased by 35 and 45% respectively in rats treated with gamma-HCH compared to control. gamma-HCH also caused hepatic and renal damage, as observed from the elevated serum levels of urea, creatinine, total bilirubin and uric acid contents and aminotransferases (AST and ALT), phosphatases (ACP and ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities. Co-administration of omega3 and N.O reversed the hazardous effects induced by gamma-HCH on the liver and kidney and also protected acetylcholinesterase from the inhibitory action of gamma-HCH as well as suppressed the lipid peroxidation. Thus, the results show that omega3 and N.O might prevent oxidative stress and attenuate the changes in the biochemical parameters induced by gamma-HCH in male rats.