The role of vitamin D against biochemical indices and oxidative stress in the heart of rats exposed to diazinon.

OBJECTIVES: Diazinon is used as an organophosphate for pest management in agriculture and veterinary practice. However, diazinon poisoning can lead to increased production of free radicals and destruction of the body's antioxidant system. A study explored the impact of vitamin D on diazinon-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. METHODS: 24 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups: a control group treated with corn oil, a vitamin D group receiving 0.2 mg/kg/ip/day, and a DZN group receiving 70 mg/kg/po/day. Additionally, treatment groups were formed that received both DZN (70 mg/kg/po/day) and vitamin D (0.2 mg/kg/ip/day). On the final day of the experiment, the rats were euthanized, and their blood was analyzed for serum levels of troponin (TPI) and creatine kinase (CK). Furthermore, the heart tissue's concentrations of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total thiol groups (TTG), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained slides were also used to analyze histopathological alterations in the cardiac tissue. RESULTS: DZN significantly increased the levels of TPI, CK, and MDA, which may indicate cardiac damage. In addition, DZN decreased the levels of CAT, TAC, SOD, and TTG. On the contrary, vitamin D significantly reduced oxidative damage and increased antioxidant activities in animals with DZN. Also, these findings had a good correlation with histopathological changes. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D, as an antioxidant, enhances antioxidant activities in heart tissue; it effectively prevents oxidative damage caused by DZN.