he present study has determined the ability of Methoxychlor (MXC), an organochlorine pesticide, to
induce hepatoxicity and nephrotoxicity in female rats and the effectiveness of propolis in modulating
these effects in liver and kidney of rats. Animals were assigned to 1 of 4 groups in each stage of the
experiment for 6 and 12 months, respectively: control; 200 mg MXC/kg bw, twice / week, orally; 200 mg
propolis/L drinking water/ daily; MXC (200 mg/kg bw, twice / week, orally) plus propolis (200 mg/L,
drinking water), respectively. Rats were administered their respective doses for 6 or 12 months. The
levels of serum enzymes and histological alterations in liver and kidney were investigated. In addition,
the levels of lipid peroxidation metabolite thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS) and the
antioxidant enzyme reduced glutathione (GSH) were assayed in liver homogenate. MXC caused a
significant increase in serum transaminases (AST and ALT), alkaline phosphatase, urea and creatinine
levels, while MXC induced a significant reduction in total protein and albumin levels. MXC significantly
inhibited lipid peroxidation and markedly enhanced glutathione in liver homogenate. Furthermore,
severe pathological damages as: degeneration and coagulative necrosis of the hepatocytes were
established in liver. Kidney showed increase cellularity of the glomeruli, degeneration of the tubular
epithelium. Simultaneous treatments with propolis significantly modulated the toxic effects of MXC. It
can be concluded that propolis has beneficial influences and could be able to antagonize MXC toxicity.