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Effects of Low‐Dose Cypermethrin Exposure on the Liver and Kidney of Swiss Albino Mice: Histopathological and Biochemical Insights

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Cypermethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid widely used in agricultural land areas and also for ectoparasitic control in livestock, has been implicated in various health effects. The study was conducted to elucidate the histopathological and biochemical consequences of low-dose cypermethrin exposure in Swiss albino mice. A total of 30 mice were randomly divided into two groups: Control group (n = 15), fed standard diet and tap water, and treated group (n = 15), supplied with 0.12 mL/kg cypermethrin dissolved in 3 mL of drinking water once daily for 28 days. Histopathological evaluations of the liver and kidney, along with biochemical markers including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels, were considered as indicators of low-dose cypermethrin effects. The treated mice exhibited potential phenotypic characteristics including reduced body weight, shaggy fur and limb distention. Biochemical analysis revealed significant (****p < 0.0001) elevation of AST, ALT, BUN and creatinine values than control. Histopathological examination manifested severe damage to both organs. Hepatocyte hypertrophy, vacuolation, Kupffer cell proliferation, severe haemorrhage and disrupted sinusoidal architecture, infiltration of massive inflammatory cells, disappearance of normal hepatocytes found in liver. Renal tissues displayed glomerulosclerosis, tubular necrosis, loss of normal glomerular structure, proliferation of inflammatory cells and blackish discoloration of glomerulus. A significant (*p < 0.05) reduction of cell density (per unit of area) was also found in treated compared to control mice. In conclusion, this study suggests that exposure to cypermethrin at certain low dose causes histopathological and biochemical changes in the liver and kidney of Swiss albino mice.

Source: Veterinary Medicine and Science

DOI: 10.1002/vms3.70706