Abstract
To investigate the comparative effects of ascorbate and chelating agents on some markers of lipid metabolism in lead exposed rats, 35 male Wistar rats were used. They were grouped randomly into five (n=7); 28 of which were administered 75 mg/kg body weight lead acetate (PbAc) orally for 14 days after which their blood samples were assayed for lead. Three of the groups were further administered 30 mg/kg body weight D-penicillamine (D-pen), 30 mg/kg body weight succimer (DMSA) and 500 mg/kg body weight ascorbate (Asc) daily orally, respectively. The control group was however administered normal saline. The blood lipid profiles were determined spectrophotometrically. Lead exposure resulted in significant dyslipidemia (p < 0.05), characterized by 50% hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia and 132% hyperphospholipidemia (plasma) while in the red blood cells, hypocholesterolemia and hypophospholipidemia were observed. During the therapeutic doses, the groups administered chelating agents and Asc showed a significant amelioration in the plasma and red blood cell levels of total cholesterol, triacylglycerols and phospholipids in the order, DMSA > Asc > D-pen. Decrease in blood lead levels after therapy indicated that the chelating agents have an advantage over Asc. The study indicates that administration of the antioxidant, Asc may not be more efficacious than the chelating agents but could be a cheaper and more convenient therapy for lead toxicity. Key words: Ascorbate, chelating agents, dyslipidemia, lead exposure, plumbism.
Highlights
Metals are elements found in nature usually in the form of their respective compounds
Throughout the period of experiment, marked changes were recorded in the blood lead levels (BLL) of the other four groups
Lead exposures in humans and animals have been reported to produce a series of adverse effects in the biological systems
Summary
Metals are elements found in nature usually in the form of their respective compounds. Most notably, are the heavy metals which have specific density greater than 5 g/cm such as mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As) and lead (Pb). Most of these heavy metals persist in the environment and produce a variety of adverse effects because they are generally not biodegradable (Alissa and Ferns, 2011). One of the leading metallic xenobiotic is lead (Pb) It is a stable heavy metal found in the air, water, soil and food as a contaminant (Allouche et al, 2011; Ait Hamadouche et al, 2009; Ibrahim et al, 2012). Other significant sources include cosmetic products, food-can soldering, toys, ceramic glazes and folk remedies (Mohammed et al, 2008; Sajitha et al, 2010)
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