Toxicological Assessment of D-Allethrin Containing Mosquito Coils: Impact on Serum Electrolyte Balance and Antioxidant Defence Mechanism in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Malaria remains a major public health concern in West Africa, with Nigeria serving as a critical case study. Allethrin-based mosquito coils are widely used to repel Anopheles mosquitoes, but their potential adverse health effects raise concern. This study investigated the impact of D-Allethrin-based mosquito coil smoke on serum electrolytes and antioxidant defense in Wistar rats. Twenty-five male rats were exposed to coil smoke for 8 hours daily over 28 days. Serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate) and antioxidant biomarkers (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde) were assessed using standard methods. Results revealed significant increases in serum sodium (131.70±2.51 to 144.20±2.95 mmol/L), potassium (4.37±0.06 to 4.66±0.13 mmol/L), chloride (87.63±1.35 to 96.00±1.79 mmol/L), and bicarbonate (19.70±0.25 to 20.73±0.12 mmol/L). Conversely, antioxidant activities declined—superoxide dismutase (33.77±1.59 to 25.20±1.47 U/mL), catalase (25.20±0.96 to 19.37±0.52 U/mL), and glutathione peroxidase (41.50±1.55 to 31.23±0.79 U/mL)—while malondialdehyde rose (0.41±0.05 to 1.06±0.05 nmol/mL). These findings indicate that Allethrin-based mosquito coil exposure disrupts electrolyte homeostasis and promotes oxidative stress, underscoring possible health risks linked to prolonged use.