Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the possible adverse effects of methyl eugenol (ME), a potent kairomone, and fenitrothion insecticide that are used extensively in male annihilation programs worldwide during the management of fruit flies. Therefore, the side effects of ME, fenitrothion (FEN) and their mix (ME+FEN) were tested in a 28 days-inhalation study on white albino rats. Rats were grouped and exposed to 1/20 LC50 of ME, FEN, and their mixture. Then hematological components, hepatic and renal parameters, and oxidative stress enzymes were measured. Results revealed significant decrease effects on mean cell hemoglobin and mean cell hemoglobin concentration (up to 18% decrease of control), red blood cell (28%), acetylcholinesterase (39%), and total lipids (36%) levels. On the other hand, lactate dehydrogenase (increased to 29.5% of control), uric acid (109%), creatinine (140%), γ-glutamyl transferase (159%), and oxidative stress-related enzymes (glutathione peroxidase (149%), glutathione reductase (170%), glutathione-S-transferase (34%), and superoxide dismutase (88%)) values were increased compared to results of control group. Adverse effects of ME, FEN, and their mixture might trigger an alarm for farmers who directly or indirectly inhale these chemicals continuously in the field. More importantly, safe alternatives to agricultural chemicals, including pesticides, should be enforced.