Curcumin Ameliorates Lead (Pb2+)-Induced Hemato-Biochemical Alterations and Renal Oxidative Damage in a Rat Model

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the protective role of curcumin (Curc) against hematological and biochemical changes, as well as renal pathologies induced by lead acetate [Pb (CH3COO)2·3H2O] treatment. Male albino rats were intraperitoneally treated with Pb(2+) (25 mg of lead acetate/kg b.w., once a day) alone or in combination with Curc (30 mg of Curc/kg b.w., twice a day) for 7 days. Exposure of rats to Pb(2+) caused significant decreases in hemoglobin (Hb) content, hematocrit (Ht) value, and platelet (Plt) count, while Pb(2+)-related leukocytosis was accompanied by absolute neutrophilia, monocytosis, lymphopenia, and eosinopenia. A significant rise in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and a marked drop of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were evident in the kidney, liver, and serum of Pb(2+) group compared to that of control. Furthermore, significantly high levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and a sharp drop in serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) level were also seen in blood after injection of Pb(2+). Additionally, hepatorenal function tests were enhanced. Meanwhile, Pb(2+) produced marked histo-cytological alterations in the renal cortex. Co-administration of Curc to the Pb(2+)-treated animals restored most of the parameters mentioned above to near-normal levels/features. In conclusion, Curc appeared to be a promising agent for protection against Pb(2+)-induced toxicity.

Antagonistic Efficacy of Luteolin against Lead Acetate Exposure-Associated with Hepatotoxicity is Mediated via Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-Apoptotic Activities

“…In the current study, a significant rise in Pb residue was observed in the hepatic tissue of the Pb-exposed group. This increase was in accordance with previous results [36][37][38]. Pb accumulated primarily in the liver and kidneys for two reasons; firstly, the liver and kidneys are the main sites for the excretion of Pb and, secondly, they contain proteins, such as thymosin β4, metallothionein, and acyl-CoA binding protein, that have high affinity for Pb-binding [39].…”

“…Surprisingly, a previous in vitro study revealed that these metal-flavonoid chelates have significant water solubility, which plays a vital role in the acceleration of the detoxification process [42]. Abdel-Moneim et al [36] found that curcumin, a plant constituent rich in flavonoids, significantly reduced renal Pb content. Additionally, co-treatment with the active constituent, luteolin, from Vaccinium corymbosum L. blueberries significantly reduced the Cd burden in murine hepatic tissue [43].…”

“…Biochemical data confirm the histological damage of the liver tissue. Previous studies reported Pb-induced anemia caused by the inhibitory effect of Pb on δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD), which plays a significant role in heme synthesis, in addition to the formation of basophilic stippling in red blood cells with short life spans [12,36]. The elevated levels of total bilirubin in the PbAc-treated group may be attributed to massive heme destruction and obstruction of the biliary tract, with subsequent suppression of the conjugation reaction and release of unconjugated or indirect bilirubin from damaged liver cells [45].…”

GSPE reduces lead-induced oxidative stress by activating the Nrf2 pathway and suppressing miR153 and GSK-3β in rat kidney

“…Evidence from animal studies suggests an important factor of lipid peroxidation and degradation of phospholipids in kidney damage is caused by Pb toxicity, which leads to a loss of membrane integrity [4]. Besides, when cells are overwhelmed by oxidative stress, genes involved in cell death signaling are activated to induce apoptosis or necrosis to remove irreversibly damaged cells [5].…”

Associations between lead concentrations and cardiovascular risk factors in U.S. adolescents

“…Similarly, Abdel-Moneim et al . treated male rats with 25 mg of lead acetate/kg body weight once daily for 7 day by intraperitoneal injection, indicating that cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-C were elevated and HDL-C was reduced compared to the control group 19 . Additionally, Komousani et al .…”