CO-ADMINISTRATION OF RESVERATROL RESCUED LEAD-INDUCED TOXICITY INDROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER

Abstract

Lead toxicity is a major environmental issue and has been associated with various health problems such as cognitive and behavioral impairments, reproductive defects and cellular oxidative stress. The study investigated the potential of resveratrol in mitigating the effects of lead-induced toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster. Three (3) days old Harwich strain adult D. melanogaster were orally exposed to Pb (60 mg/L), Succimer (10 mg/kg), and Resveratrol (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg). Biological and biochemical parameters (ALP, AST, TB, CB, and electrolytes levels), kidney function test (Ur and Cr), oxidative stress marker (MDA), and antioxidants (SOD, and CAT) were evaluated. Resveratrol significantly increased egg-laying, eclosion rate, filial generation output, locomotor activity, and life span of D. melanogaster in a dose-dependent manner up to 150 mg/kg of diet. Most biochemical parameters investigated were significantly rescued in the lead-poisoned fruit flies (p < 0.05) when co-treated with resveratrol. The results suggest that resveratrol has a protective effect against lead toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster and could potentially be used as a therapeutic agent for lead poisoning in humans.