Triazole fungicides induce hepatic lesions and metabolic disorders in rats

Pesticides are chemicals used in the treatment of agricultural products to increase production to meet growing consumer’s demand. Several studies have shown the toxic effects of these substances in humans as endocrine disrupters. The objective of our study is to highlight the toxic effects of hexaconazole in rats; a fungicide widely used in agriculture in Morocco. 16 rats received 100 mg/kg/day of hexaconazole orally via diet for 12 weeks. Biochemical analyses of the blood of treated animals showed a significant increase in creatinine, bilirubin, ASAT, ALAT and LDH levels, which would indicate toxicity in different organs. Also, a histological study of the liver was carried out. Microscopic observations showed several liver damages, such as centrilobular vein congestion, necrosis, immune cells infiltration, cholestasis, microvesicular and macrovesicular steatosis. These biochemical and histological results show that exposure to hexaconazole can cause liver and kidney damage. This pesticide would present an actual or potential danger to the consumer’s health.