Ameliorative effects of -tocopherol on cypermethrin induced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in Wistar rats

Environmental contamination of pyrethroids is responsible for increasing oxidative stress in man and animals. The present study was aimed to investigate the ameliorative effects of �-tocopherol on different stress parameters in rats. Significant (p<0.05) increased catalase activity in cypermethrin treated rats is maintained normal by the supplementation of �-tocopherol. Significantly reduced (p<0.05) SODs and GSH-Px activity by cypermethrin treated rats and activity of these enzymes were comparable to control animals by �-tocopherol supplementation. Significantly reduced GSH and increased (p<0.05) lipid peroxidation were observed in both groups, cypermethrin alone and along with the �-tocopherol treated groups. Observations from the present study suggest that �-tocopherol supplementation plays a protective role in cypermethrin induced oxidative stress in rats and linseed oil is not suitable as a vehicle for �-tocopherol.