Oxidative stress induced by 2,4-phenoxyacetic acid in liver of female rats and their progeny: biochemical and histopathological studies.

The 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) was used in agriculture as an herbicide in many countries including Tunisia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 2,4-D on liver function of adult rats and their progeny. Female Wistar rats were divided into two groups: the controls and the treated rats which received 600 ppm of 2,4-D in their drinking water from the 14th day of pregnancy until day 14 after delivery. In 2,4-D group, a significant decrease in body weight of pups was noted, when compared to controls. Liver antioxidant enzyme activities, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) decreased, while malondialdehyde (MDA) levels increased in dams and pups. Moreover, plasma aminotransferases (ALT, AST), gamma glutamil transpeptidase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), bilirubin and albumin levels were increased significantly. The biochemical modifications were correlated with histopathological studies. We concluded that 2,4-D induced hepatotoxicity in adult and suckling rats.