Chemoprotective effects of Allium cepa and Allium sativum on lead acetate–mediated oxidative stress and dyslipidemia in Wistar rats

Abstract

Chemoprotective effects of Allium cepa and Allium sativum on lead acetate–mediated oxidation stress and dyslipidemia were investigated in Wistar rats. Seventy-five acclimatized rats were fed standard feed and distilled water ad libitum. The Wistar rats weighing 160 to 170 g were randomly divided into five groups of fifteen rats each. Group I served as control. Group II received oral administration of 75 mg/kg of lead acetate. Group III animals received oral administration of 75 mg/kg of lead acetate and 1 ml in 200 g Allium cepa juice. Group IV rats received oral administration of 1 ml/ 200 g of Allium cepa juice. Group V rats received 75 mg/kg of lead acetate and vitamin E (α-tocopherol) as standard antioxidant via oral gavage based on the weight of each rat at a dose of 10 mg/100 g BW of rat. The feeding procedure was repeated with Allium sativum juice. The feeding process lasted for 4 weeks. Animals were sacrificed and blood collected by cardiac puncture and labeled appropriately. Exposure to lead acetate resulted to a significant (p = 0.034) elevation in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, triacylglycerol, very low-density lipoprotein, and malondialdehyde (MDA) but also caused a significant reduction in high-density lipoprotein, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities. Allium cepa/Allium sativum treatment of the lead acetate–exposed rats exhibited a significant (p = 0.025) increase in high-density lipoprotein, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione levels and showed a significant (p = 0.042) decrease in total cholesterol and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations. There was no significant (p = 0.006) difference when the results of the effects of Allium cepa and Allium sativum on lead acetate–exposed rats were compared to the effects of vitamin E (standard antioxidant). In conclusion, Allium cepa and Allium sativum mitigated oxidative stress and dyslipidemia in lead acetate–exposed Wistar rats, and thus, suggests protective effects on cardiovascular diseases.