Protective role of L-glutamic acid and L-cysteine in mitigation the chlorpyrifos-induced oxidative stress in rats

Exposure to the organophosphorus insecticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) can lead to oxidative stress. The aim of this work was to investigate and compare the protective effects of amino acids (L-glutamic acid (L-Glu) and L-cysteine (L-Cys) alone or in combination) for the purpose of suppression and mitigation of CPF-induced oxidative stress in rats. Rats were divided into five groups: CPF, CPF/L-Glu, CPF/L-Glu and L-Cys, CPF/L-Cys, control. The level of GSH and the activities of glutathione-related enzymes were determined. The content of lipid peroxidation products was also monitored. The obtained results suggest that level of GSH and activity of GSH-related enzymes was significantly inhibited by CPF. L-Glu and L-Cys were able to prevent CPF-induced oxidative stress. In rats treated with amino acids, we observed less significant or no changes in studied parameters. It was established that the above-mentioned amino acids, administered alone and in their combination, can mitigate and suppress CPF-induced oxidative stress. The most significant mitigation effect was found in rats treated with L-Glu only.