Changes in Hepatic Metabolism of Rattus norvegicus Infected to Angiostrongylus cantonensis (Nematoda) and Exposed to Glyphosate-Based Herbicide

Abstract

Helminth infection associated with exposure to pesticides has received little attention regarding its effect on the human population and on farm and wild animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects a glyphosate-based herbicide on the hepatic and glycemic metabolism of Rattus norvegicus (Wistar) infected by Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Experimental groups were orally infected with 50 L3 larvae of A. cantonensis and exposed to the herbicide after and before the infection. Biochemical serum analyses were carried out to determine the levels of Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Total Bilirubin (TB), total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, uric acid, glucose and hepatic glycogen. All exposed groups showed an increase in the concentration of glycogen, AST, ALT and TB, the last ones suggesting liver tissue damage. Exposure to the herbicide caused hyperalbuminemia as an antioxidant response to the herbicide. These findings contribute to a better understanding of how glyphosate-based herbicides can change the hepatic metabolism the vertebrate and to influence the parasite-host relationship.