Effects of Vepacide (Azadirachta indica) on aspartate and alanine aminotransferase profiles in a subchronic study with rats

The aim of this study was to ascertain the long-term effects of Vepacide, a neem-based pesticide on biochemical profiles. Albino Wistar rats were treated orally with 80 (low), 160 (medium) and 320 mg/kg (high) doses of Vepacide in coconut oil for 90 days. Control rats received the same volume of the vehicle. Vepacide caused increase of aspartate and alanine aminotransferase in serum, kidney and lung, and these enzymes decreased in liver in both male and female rats when measured after 45 and 90 days of treatment. The two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the alterations in these enzymes were dose- and time-dependent. Sexual dimorphism was observed when male rats were compared with female rats (Student t-test at P< 0.05). Positive correlation was observed with regard to these enzymes between serum, kidney and lung, whereas in the case of serum and liver, a negative correlation was recorded. These enzyme profiles elucidate that they increased in serum with simultaneous decrease in liver, indicating necrosis of liver, whereas in other tissues, the level of enzymes increased, showing an adaptive mechanism due to the chemical stress. The affected enzymes were recovered to normal conditions after 28 days of post-treatment (withdrawal study). Due to the Vepacide treatment, lung was more affected followed by liver and kidney. This study has indicated that these enzymes could be useful as biomarkers for the insult of any toxicant. Besides, they can also help in predictive toxicology.