Deltamethrin-Induced Immunotoxicity and its Protection by Quercetin: An Experimental Study

Background: Deltamethrin (DLM) is a type 2 pyrethroid insecticide used in agriculture and home to control pests. However, emerging reports have indicated the immunotoxicity of DLM. Objective: Thus, in the current investigation, we have checked the immune-protective role of quercetin in DLM-induced immunotoxicity by using in silico and in vitro techniques. Results: In silico results have shown good interaction of quercetin towards immune cell receptors (T & B cell receptors). The findings of in vitro studies indicated the decrease in oxidative stress which is elevated by DLM in concentration & time-dependent manner. The increased caspases-3 activity was decreased by treatment of quercetin. The apoptosis induced by DLM in thymus and spleen was suppressed only at higher concentration (50μg/ml) of quercetin. Finally, the phenotypic changes due to DLM were restored by quercetin. Conclusion: Quercetin has strong binding affinity towards CD4, CD8 and CD28, CD45 receptors and protects the thymocytes and splenocytes against DLM-induced apoptotic signaling pathways.