The Journal of Phytopharmacology 2026; 15(4):218-224 DOI:10.31254/phyto.2026.15404

Research Article

Vitamin C attenuates mosquito repellent-induced aortic histopathological changes and elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in Wistar rats

Joel Ayodele Adewole¹ , Magdalene Imuwaihen Omigie¹ , Caroline D. Ekpruke¹

Joel Ayodele Adewole,Magdalene Imuwaihen Omigie,Caroline D. Ekpruke

1. Department of Physiology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 19th May, 2026 / Accepted: 20th July, 2026 / Published : 31st July, 2026

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of malaria parasite-carrying mosquitoes necessitates the use of mosquito repellents in households; however, these chemical agents have been associated with adverse health effects. The aorta, being the largest elastic artery, is susceptible to inflammatory and degenerative changes. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is an acute-phase inflammatory marker synthetized primarily by the liver. Although pyrethroid insecticides are widely used, limited data exist on their specific effects on aortic histology and the potential protective role of antioxidant and lifestyle interventions. Objective: The study was designed to investigate the effect of mosquito repellent (Raid^®) exposure on aortic histopathology and serum hs-CRP level in Wistar rats, and to evaluate the potential protective effects of vitamin C supplementation and daily exercise against these changes. Materials and Methods: Thirty (30) Wistar rats (average body weight of 146.1 ± 8.75g) were randomly assigned to six (6) groups (n = 5 each). Group A served as the control; Group B was directly exposed to insecticide overnight; Group C was indirectly exposed to insecticide; Group D received direct exposure plus liquid vitamin C ad libitum; Group E underwent direct exposure plus daily exercise; and Group F received vitamin C supplementation plus daily exercise without insecticide exposure. After 28 days, rats were sacrificed under chloroform anesthesia. Blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture for serum hs-CRP estimation, and aortic tissues were harvested for histopathological examination. Results: Serum hs-CRP levels were significant elevated in Groups B and C (direct and indirect insecticide exposure) compared to the control (p <0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in Groups D, E, and F compared to controls. Histopathological examination revealed necrosis, inflammatory infiltrates and reduced connective tissue in the adventitia of the aorta in Groups B and C, while these alterations were absent in the vitamin C-supplemented and exercise groups. Conclusion: Exposure to mosquito repellent induced aortic necrosis and inflammation, as evidenced by significant elevation of serum hs-CRP levels. These findings suggest that pyrethroid insecticide may contribute to vascular injury through inflammatory pathways, and that vitamin C supplementation and exercise may offer protective effects.