Glycine Betaine Relieves Lead-Induced Hepatic and Renal Toxicity in Albino Rats

Abstract

Lead (Pb) is a widespread and nondegradable environmental pollutant and affects several organs through oxidative mechanisms. This study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant protective effect of glycine betaine (GB) against Pb-induced renal and hepatic injury. Male albino rats (n = 45) were divided into three groups: G1 untreated control, G2 Pb-acetate (50 mg/kg/day), and G3 Pb-acetate (50 mg/kg/day) plus GB (250 mg/kg/day) administered for 6 weeks. For G3, Pb-acetate was administered first and followed by GB at least 4 h after. Pb-acetate treatment (G2) resulted in a significant decrease in renal function, including elevated creatinine and urea levels by 17.4% and 23.7%, respectively, and nonsignificant changes in serum uric acid levels. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphates (ALP) activities were significantly increased with Pb treatment by 37.6%, 59.3%, and 55.1%, respectively. Lipid peroxidation level was significantly increased by 7.8 times after 6 weeks of Pb-acetate treatment. The level of reduced glutathione (GSH-R) significantly declined after Pb-acetate treatment. Pb-acetate treatment also reduced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) by 74.1%, 85.0%, and 40.8%, respectively. Treatment of Pb-intoxicated rats with GB resulted in a significant reduction in creatinine, urea, ALT, AST, and lipid peroxidation, as well as a significant increase in the level of GSH-R and in the activities of ALP, SOD, GST, and GSH-PX. The molecular interaction between GB and GSH-PX indicated that the activation of GSH-PX in Pb-intoxicated rats was not the result of GB binding to the catalytic site of GSH-PX. The affinity of GB to bind to the catalytic site of GSH-PX is lower than that of H2O2. Thus, GB significantly mitigates Pb-induced renal and liver injury through the activation of antioxidant enzymes and the prevention of Pb-induced oxidative damage in the kidney and liver.

Protective effect of Agaricus bisporus mushroom against maternal and fetal damage induced by lead administration during pregnancy in rats

“…In our study, we did not observe significant changes in these parameters. Results contrary to our study were reported by Abdelrazek et al (2022) with increased creatinine and urea in the group exposed to Pb acetate, unlike the group treated with Betaine Glycine, a natural compound, reduced urea and serum creatinine, showing natural products can reduce the toxic effects caused by Pb.…”

“…The liver is the main storage site and one of the targets in heavy metal poisoning (Abdelrazek et al, 2022). Our findings are similar to those reported by Abdelrazek et al (2022); in their study, they administered Pb acetate at a dosage of 50 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks, in rats. The study showed a significant increase in ALT and ALP levels after Pb exposure, corroborating our data.…”

Cardioprotective Effects of α-Asarone Against Hexavalent Chromium-Induced Oxidative Damage in Mice

“… 15 This metal, known for its silvery-gray hue and lustrous quality, presents itself primarily in two forms: trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) and hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). 16 , 17 Trivalent chromium is an essential micronutrient required for the proper functioning of insulin in the body, playing a pivotal role in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. It is abundantly found in diverse environmental sources, including natural deposits, and is also introduced into the environment through various industrial processes.…”