Plant Growth Regulators Ethephon-Induced Oxidative Stress and Its Impact on Liver, Kidney, Heart, and Testicular Tissues in Male Albino Rats

Abstract

Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are compounds that regulate plant growth and development and are used in agriculture to enhance productivity and stress tolerance. Major classes include auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinins. However, improper use of PGRs can pose toxicological risks to non-target organisms, including humans, affecting organs such as the liver and kidneys. Oxidative stress is a primary mechanism of PGR toxicity, leading to tissue injury and organ dysfunction. The current study was designed to study the possible effects of Ethephon to induced oxidative stress on liver, kidneys, heart and testes of male albino rats. A total of 20 male rats were divided into two groups control and ethephon groups. Our results revealed that a significant elevation was detected in TBARS and a significant depletion in catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) in Ethephon group as compared to the control group in liver, kidney, heart and Testes tissues. These results indicate that ethephon may induce damage to multiple organs via oxidative stress, emphasizing the importance of its cautious and regulated use to reduce potential health hazards. Consequently, careful control in the application of PGRs is necessary to minimize health and environmental risks.