Risk Assessment and Hepatotoxicity of Acute Exposure to Chlorview (chlorpyrifos 40% E.C.) Via Oral and Inhalation Routes Using Animal Model
S. Ubani Chibuike
Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
U. Amadi Eustace
Central Research and Diagnostic Laboratory, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.
J. Nweze Ekene
Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
O. Ogugofor Martins
Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: This research aimed to determine the Hepatotoxicity via oral and inhalation routes using animal model and its Risk assessment when exposed to Chlorview pesticide (Chlorpyrifos 40% E.C.).
Study Design: The animals were divided into two groups for oral and inhalation routes of exposure. They were divided into 4 groups of 5 animals each for oral and 4 groups of 4 animals each for inhalation.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry Laboratory University of Nigeria Nsukka.
Methodology: The hepatotoxicity and risk assessment studies were carried out using a colorimetric assay and standard methods respectively.
Results: Oral exposure to Chlorview led to a significant (p<0.05) increase in the activity of AST, ALT, and ALP when compared to the control. The risk assessment studies showed oral subchronic toxicity at the dose of 15.5 mg/kg b.w when exposed to Chlorview with a bioaccumulation factor (BAF) of 2.50. The oral exposure recorded a hazard quotient (HQ) of 3.4 and a risk quotient (RQ) of 0.1, a risk presumption of acute restricted use. There was no accumulation of the pesticide or its derivative via the inhalation route rather a macroscopic deposition of fat on the liver identified as cholesterol was seen.
Conclusion: This research suggests that exposure to Chlorview pesticide through oral and inhalation routes can pose a reasonable risk to human health.
Keywords: Risk assessment, hepatotoxicity, chlorpyrifos, organophosphate, pesticide