Moringa oleifera oil modulates cerebellar neuroinflammation and oxidative stress associated with permethrin neurotoxicity

Permethrin is a commonly used domestic insecticide with varying degrees of neurotoxicity in both insects and mammals. The phytochemical components of Moringa oleifera oil (MOR) have several health benefits including antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. This study investigated the role of MOR in ameliorating cerebellar damage associated with permethrin neurotoxicity. Sixteen (16) male Wistar rats with an average weight of 89.6 g were randomly divided into four (4) groups: Group A (control) was fed on a normal rat diet, Group B was fed with rat diet mixed with 1000 mg/kg of 0.6% permethrin, Group C was fed a normal diet with 5 ml/kg of MOR, Group D was fed with rat diet mixed with 1000 mg/kg of 0.6% permethrin and 5 ml/kg of MOR. The rats were treated for 14 days. The rats were euthanised thereafter and the cerebellum was removed and processed for both biochemical and histochemical examinations using appropriate solution, to assess oxidative status, neuroinflammation (tumour necrosis factor-alpha, TNF-?), Nissl distribution and microarchitecture of the cerebellum. Permethrin-treated rats recorded a reduction in glutathione peroxidase activity, but significant increase in TNF-?; cerebellar histoarchitecture was disrupted with varying degrees of degenerative and chromatolytic changes, which were mitigated in rats that received MOR intervention. The action of MOR on permethrin-induced cerebellar damage is by enhancing antioxidant defence mechanism and modulating neuroinflammation.

Key Words: Permethrin, Moringa oleifera oil, cerebellum, neurotoxicity