Melatonin mitigates carbendazim-induced hepatic oxidative stress and Hematological alterations in male Wistar rats

Abstract

Carbendazim (CBZ), a widely used benzimidazole fungicide, is associated with systemic oxidative stress, hepatotoxicity, and hematological alterations in exposed animals. Melatonin (MLT), a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective properties, has been proposed as a protective agent against toxicant-induced tissue injury. This study investigated the protective efficacy of melatonin against CBZ-induced hepatic oxidative stress and hematological disturbances in male Wistar rats. Twenty-four rats were randomly allocated into four groups (n = 6): Control (DMSO), MLT (10 mg/kg), CBZ (100 mg/kg), and CBZ + MLT. Treatments were administered orally for 28 consecutive days. CBZ exposure significantly reduced body weight gain and feed intake, and induced hematological alterations characterized by decreased RBC count, hemoglobin, PCV, platelet count, and MCHC, with elevated MCV and WBC levels, indicative of macrocytic hypochromic anemia and inflammatory activation. Hepatic oxidative stress was evidenced by increased lipid peroxidation and ROS levels, along with diminished antioxidant defenses (SOD, CAT, GPx, and GSH). Melatonin co-administration significantly ameliorated these alterations, restoring hematological indices and hepatic redox homeostasis. These findings demonstrate that melatonin exerts significant hepatoprotective and hematoprotective effects against CBZ-induced toxicity, supporting its therapeutic potential in veterinary toxicology.