Lead Accumulation Research Articles

Single-Cell Study Unveils Lead Lifespan in Blood Cell Populations Follows a Universal Lognormal Distribution with Individual Skewness.

Lead is a widespread environmental hazard that can adversely affect multiple biological functions. Blood cells are the initial targets that face lead exposure. However, a systematic assessment of lead dynamics in blood cells at single-cell resolution is still absent. Herein, C57BL/6 mice were fed with lead-contaminated food. Peripheral blood was harvested at different days. Extracted red blood cells and leukocytes were stained with 19 metal-conjugated antibodies and analyzed by mass cytometry. We quantified the time-lapse lead levels in 12 major blood cell subpopulations and established the distribution of lead heterogeneity. Our results show that the lead levels in all major blood cell subtypes follow lognormal distributions but with distinctively individual skewness. The lognormal distribution suggests a multiplicative accumulation of lead with stochastic turnover of cells, which allows us to estimate the lead lifespan of different blood cell populations by calculating the distribution skewness. These findings suggest that lead accumulation by single blood cells follows a stochastic multiplicative process.

ВЛИЯНИЕ МЕТИЛСУЛЬФОНИЛМЕТАНА НА ФИЗИОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ ПОКАЗАТЕЛИ БЕЛЫХ КРЫС ПРИ ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНОЙ ИНТОКСИКАЦИИ КАДМИЕМ И СВИНЦОМ

Cadmium and lead, being one of the most dangerous ecotoxicants, are entering feed in an increasing number of regions and then into livestock products, posing a danger to the body of animals and humans. Therefore, the problem of reducing the toxic effect and accumulation of cadmium and lead in the body does not lose its relevance. One of the ways to reduce the accumulation and negative effects of heavy metals (HM) is the use of biologically active substances. Since one of the mechanisms of the toxic effect of heavy metals is the binding of sulfhydry groups, sulfur and preparations containing it are often used to reduce intoxication. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a sulfur-containing compound that is a natural component of many foods (fruits, vegetables, grains). It has hepatoprotective, antioxidant and antitoxic properties, and is a source of organic sulfur. The introduction of cadmium and lead at a dose of 2,5 and 5 μg/kg into the diet of white rats for two and a half months led to the normalization of the animals’ behavioral indicators, the state of the central nervous system according to the determination of the summation-threshold index (STI), restoration of the level of immunoglobulin, and the content of chlorides in the urine , and in the blood serum – general SH groups, but the hemoglobin content remained significantly low.

Lead (Pb) accumulation in rice and its impact on DNA stability

Lead (Pb) accumulation in rice and its impact on DNA stability

The influence of mineral soil fertilization on the intensity of accumulation of lead, zinc, and copper in the grain of winter cereals in the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe

The influence of mineral soil fertilization on the intensity of accumulation of lead, zinc, and copper in the grain of winter cereals in the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe

Determination of Some Heavy Metals in Tissues of Binni Mesopotamichthys sharpeyi and Water in Al-Dalmaj Marsh/Iraq

The study was conducted in Al-Dalmaj marsh, considered one of the most important wetlands at the national and regional level and represents the most critical environment to form a good stock of Binni Mesopotamichthys sharpeyi in Iraq. The study assessed heavy metals in water and M. sharpeyi by detecting accumulation of (Nickel, Cadmium and Lead) in the tissues of gills, liver, and small intestines during the summer and winter seasons 2022-2023. The study results showed a high concentration of heavy metals in the water during summer compared to winter. Nickel levels ranged (0.19 ±0.627, 0.20 ±0.531) in water for both stations. The highest concentration was (1.339 mg/L) in suspended phase during summer, and ND in dissolved phase in winter, while Cadmium rates were (0.25±0.948, 0.17±0.478) in both stations respectively, the highest concentration was (1.827 mg/L) in suspended phase of station 1 during summer. Both stations ' lead rates were (0.39±1.455, 0.09±1.117). (3.176 mg/L) was the highest concentration in the suspended phase of station 1 during summer, while (0.121 mg/L) was the lowest in the suspended phase in winter. The results showed a sequence of concentrations of heavy metals in M. sharpeyi organs: Gills > Liver ≥ Small Intestines. The highest concentration rate of Nickel (4.109 & 3.692 mg/g) was recorded in small intestines and liver, respectively, during winter, the lowest rate (3.057 mg/g) was recorded in the gills during summer, the total of sedimentation rate of Ni in the liver and intestines was (3.726 mg/g), whereas (3.114 mg/g) in gills. Cadmium recorded an equal value of (0.957 mg/g) representing the highest percentage in the small intestines for both seasons. The highest concentrations (0.906 mg/g) in liver during summer. The total sedimentation rate of Cd in liver and small intestines was (0.852 mg/g), while (0.738 mg/g) was in gills. Lead recorded a high significant rate reaching to (8.501 mg/g) in gills during summer, followed by (6.115 mg/g) and (5.891 mg/g) in the liver and small intestines, respectively. Generally, lead reached the highest value for all elements assessed in fish at (8.501 mg/g) in the gills during summer, while (5.027 mg/g) was the highest rate in the liver during winter, and (3.709 mg/g) was the lowest rate in small intestines during winter. The total sedimentation rate of Pb in liver and small intestines was (5.185 mg/g), and (6.41 mg/g) was in the gills. Cadmium was recorded above the permissible (0.05 mg/g) limit by FAO [25] in the small intestine and liver, whereas lead exceeded the allowable limits (5 mg/g) by FAO/WHO [26]. Accordingly, the intake of these organs is unsafe for humans, and the registration of these high values poses a risk to the survival of this species as it can cause the death of fish in their environment under certain conditions.

Ecotoxicological Effects of Lead Exposed Cyprinus carpio and HSP70-Induced Antioxidants against ROS

Lead (Pb) is one of the leading heavy metal pollutions in freshwater sources. This study summarises lead accumulation in freshwater fish Cyprus carpio and its toxicological effects. Pb is known to induce neuro, nephro, and hepatotoxicity in C. carpio and, finally, humans. The effect of Pb leads to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants in the tissues of C. carpio. Antioxidant assays revealed the extent of free radical scavenging activity of the infected tissues. LC50 at a time interval of 24 hours showed a concentration of 7.919 ppm. ROS analysis revealed that the highest concentration of Pb toxicity was observed in the kidneys, liver, and brain of C. carpio. Not only free radicals but also Pb toxicity have been known to activate heat shock proteins as a result of oxidative stress management. This study has raised alarming responses to freshwater aquaculture to initiate control measures against the toxicity and prevent its further entry into the food chain.

Comparing the potential of three dracaena species to remove lead (pb) from artificial aqueous media

The study was undertaken to compare the lead accumulation and removal of Dracaena sanderiana, Dracaena reflexa, and Dracaena deremensis on artificial lead solutions to apply plants in lead pollution treatment. The experiment consisted of 6 treatments corresponding to 3 investigated species of Dracaena. Each treatment was grown on 2 types of solution with Pb and without Pb used as control. The results indicated that the growth of D. sanderiana, D. reflexa, and D. deremensis was not affected at Pb concentrations of 100 ppm. All three plant species had the ability to absorb and accumulate Pb. In which D. sanderiana was a typical lead excluder because the lead concentration in roots (1952.14 mg/kg), shoots (221.78 mg/kg), and leaves (166.46 mg/kg) of the plants were the highest among the three plants tested. The most of lead accumulated in the root, and transportation of lead in D. sanderiana, D. reflexa, and D. deremensis from root to shoot was restricted. Besides, the highest % removal of Pb was found at D. sanderiana (93.16%) and the minimum of 66.77% at D. reflexa. D. sanderiana is the best choice among the three Dracaena species used for phytoremediation of lead contaminated wastewater.

Pattern of Lead Accumulation in Two Vegetable Plants Due to EDTA Treatment

Phytoextraction and phytostabilization are the most consistent patterns or mechanisms of action of phytoremediation. One of the elements influencing the mechanism of action of heavy metal absorption by plant species is Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid (EDTA). Therefore, this study aimed to determine the pattern of phytoremediation in water spinach and spinach due to the addition of EDTA in the soil. The treatments tested by factor 1 were water spinach (T1) and spinach (T2), and factor 2 was the concentration of EDTA consisting of 3 levels, 0, 3, and 6 g/polybag. Each treatment was repeated three times on five sample plants. Furthermore, growth evaluation was carried out in the first six days after planting and conducted every 3 days. It was carried out on variables such as changes in plant height, leaves area, total root length, Pb content in the soil, fresh and dry weight of shoots and roots, shoot, seeds, and Translocation Factor (TF). The results showed that water spinach and spinach had different mechanisms of action due to the application of EDTA in Pb-contaminated media. Furthermore, water spinach and spinach have a mechanism of phytoextraction and phytostabilization, respectively. Therefore, spinach is safer than water spinach when grown in Pb-polluted land.

An experimental study on the effects copper and lead on the seedlings of some economically important vegetable species

Bioaccumulation of toxic heavy metals in vegetables is closely related to the problems of safety concerns as they negatively affect plants in particular those consumed by the humans. Among the food systems the vegetables are the most noticeable foods affected by environmental pollution. Vegetables can take up the metals like copper and lead and store them in excessive levels. Keeping this in view this investigation was undertaken to study the effect of copper and lead concentrations (20, 40, 80, 160, 240, 320, 640, and 1280 µM) and assess their toxic affects on germination and seedling growth at early stages of eight vegetable cultivars; kidney bean, peas, black-eyed bean, artichoke, kale, lettuce, rocket and radish. The results were evaluated by multivariate analysis of variance and Pearson correlation statistical analysis. Our results indicate that the seeds of the vegetables studied by us are generally tolerant to both copper as well lead, except higher concentration exposures which showed no improvement when applied to artichoke (for Cu 1280 µM) and lettuce seeds (Cu 1280 µM; Pb 1280 µM). An application of copper and lead ended up with a decrease in barium, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, sodium and zinc content in all seedlings studied. In all vegetables exposed to copper and lead a promotion in copper and lead accumulation was recorded. There was a decrease in nutrient element intake which interrupted the mineral element uptake in the seedlings.

Malic acid inhibits accumulation of cadmium, lead, nickel and chromium by down-regulation of OsCESA and up-regulation of OsGLR3 in rice plant

Malic acid (MA) plays an important role in plant tolerance to toxic metals, but its effect in restricting the transport of harmful metals remains unclear. In this study, japonica rice NPB and its fragile-culm mutant fc8 with low cellulose and thin cell wall were used to investigate the influence of MA on the accumulation of 4 toxic elements (Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cr) and 8 essential elements (K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and Mo) in rice. The results showed that fc8 accumulated less toxic elements but more Ca and glutamate in grains and vegetative organs than NPB. After foliar application with MA at rice anthesis stage, the content of Cd, Pb, Ni significantly decreased by 27.9–41.0%, while those of Ca and glutamate significantly increased in both NPB and fc8. Therefore, the ratios between Cd and Ca in grains of NPB (3.4‰) and fc8 (1.5‰) were greatly higher than that in grains of NPB + MA (1.1‰) and fc8+MA (0.8‰) treatments. Meanwhile, the expression of OsCEAS4,7,8,9 for the cellulose synthesis in secondary cell walls were down-regulated and cellulose content in vegetative organs of NPB and fc8 decreased by 16.7–21.1%. However, MA application significantly up-regulated the expression of GLR genes (OsGLR3.1-3.5) and raised the activity of glutamic-oxalacetic transaminease for glutamate synthesis in NPB and fc8. These results indicate that hazard risks of toxic elements in foods can be efficiently reduced through regulating cellulose biosynthesis and GLR channels in plant by combining genetic modification in vivo and malic acid application in vitro.

Applying the first microcapsule-based self-healing microbial-induced calcium carbonate materials to prevent the migration of Pb ions

Lead (Pb) accumulation can lead to serious threats to surrounding environments and damage to the liver and kidneys. In the past few years, microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) technology has been widely applied to achieve Pb immobilization due to its environmentally friendly nature. However, harsh pH conditions can cause the instability of the carbonate precipitation to degrade or dissolve, increasing the potential of Pb2+ migration into nearby environments. In this study, microcapsule-based self-healing microbial-induced calcium carbonate (MICC) materials were applied to prevent Pb migration. The highest sporulation rate of 95.8% was attained at 7 g/L yeast extract, 10 g/L NH4Cl, and 3.6 g/L Mn2+. In the germination phase, the microcapsule not only prevented the bacterial spores from being threatened by the acid treatment but secured their growth and reproduction. Micro analysis also revealed that cerussite, calcite, and aragonite minerals were present, while extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) were identified via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). These results confirm their involvement in combining Pb2+ and Ca2+. The immobilization efficiency of above 90% applied to MICC materials was attained, while it of below 5% applied to no MICC use was attained. The findings explore the potential of applying microcapsule-based self-healing MICC materials to prevent Pb ion migration when the calcium carbonate degrades under harsh pH conditions.

28-Homobrassinolide Primed Seed Improved Lead Stress Tolerance in Brassica rapa L. through Modulation of Physio-Biochemical Attributes and Nutrient Uptake.

Brassinosteroids (BRs) influence a variety of physiological reactions and alleviate different biotic and abiotic stressors. Turnip seedlings were grown with the goal of further exploring and expanding their function in plants under abiotic stress, particularly under heavy metal toxicity (lead stress). This study's objective was to ascertain the role of applied 28-homobrassinolide (HBL) in reducing lead (Pb) stress in turnip plants. Turnip seeds treated with 1, 5, and 10 µM HBL and were grown-up in Pb-contaminated soil (300 mg kg-1). Lead accumulation reduces biomass, growth attributes, and various biochemical parameters, as well as increasing proline content. Seed germination, root and shoot growth, and gas exchange characteristics were enhanced via HBL treatment. Furthermore, Pb-stressed seedlings had decreased total soluble protein concentrations, photosynthetic pigments, nutrition, and phenol content. Nonetheless, HBL increased chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b levels in plant, resulting in increased photosynthesis. As a result, seeds treated with HBL2 (5 µM L-1) had higher nutritional contents (Mg+2, Zn+2, Na+2, and K+1). HBL2-treated seedlings had higher DPPH and metal tolerance indexes. This led to the conclusion that HBL2 effectively reduced Pb toxicity and improved resistance in lead-contaminated soil.

The bundle sheath in Zea mays leaves functions as a protective barrier against the toxic effect of lead

Lead is a highly toxic metal. It impairs the metabolism of living organisms. Plants show different sensitivity to the action of this element. One of the plants with relatively high lead tolerance is Zea mays, where even in detached leaves treated with Pb2+ ions, the photosynthesis rate remains very high compared to other plant species. This study set out to determine the mechanism responsible for the high resistance of maize photosynthetic tissue to the toxic effect of this metal. For this purpose, the cut leaves of Z. mays were incubated in Pb(NO3)2 solutions at different concentrations. Regions of lead accumulation in tissues and cells were located using histochemical methods and transmission electron microscopy. The experiments showed a diverse distribution of lead ions in the leaf blade of Z. mays. Most of the accumulated Pb2+ ions were observed in the vascular bundle and the bundle sheath, while minimal traces of metal were transferred to the mesophyll. In Pisum sativum leaves, although Pb(NO3)2 concentration in the solution was two-fold lower, lead accumulated in all the leaf tissues – mainly in the vascular bundle, epidermis, sclerenchyma, and mesophyll. Thus, bundle sheath cells in maize leaves were able to inhibit the flow of Pb2+ ions to the ground tissue. Therefore, the influence of the toxic metal on photosynthesis in mesophyll cells remained minimal. These experiments show that the structure of Z. mays leaf, with a layer of bundle sheath cells (characteristic of C4 plants), contributes to the protecting photosynthetic tissue against the toxic effect of lead.

Importance of Compost, Bentonite, and Calcium Oxide in Reducing Trace Element Content in Maize on Agricultural Soil Contaminated with Diesel Oil

Soil contaminated with petroleum substances is classified as hazardous, i.e., particularly harmful to the proper functioning of environmental ecosystems. It is therefore necessary to take measures to restore the homeostasis and ecological potential of degraded areas. The study aim was to determine the impact of bentonite, compost, and calcium oxide (CaO) on trace element content in the maize grown on diesel oil (DO)-contaminated soil. Increasing doses of the petroleum substance increased the accumulation of chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), and cadmium (Cd) in maize. The largest increases were found for Cu (by 76%), Co (by 73%), and Pb (by 42%). All soil amendments proved useful for in situ stabilization of anthropogenically transformed soils. Bentonite reduced Cr (by 94%), Cu (by 84%), and Mn content (by 53%), while compost reduced the contents of Cu (by 75%), Mn (by 44%), and iron (Fe—by 29%) in maize. CaO significantly reduced the levels of Cr (by 94%), Cu (by 84%), Ni (by 66%), Mn (by 32%), Co (by 72%), zinc (Zn—by 30%), and Cd (by 22%) in maize. The effects of compost and bentonite on maize chemical composition were smaller than that achieved with CaO, and the direction of changes in elements content depended on the DO dose and the element type.

Accumulation of Lead and Cadmium by Vegetables at Different Levels of Gray Forest Soil Moistening in the Conditions of the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine

Accumulation of Lead and Cadmium by Vegetables at Different Levels of Gray Forest Soil Moistening in the Conditions of the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine

Contamination Levels of Pb Heavy Metals and Availability of Phytoremediation Plants in the Gampong Jawa Landfill Area, Banda Aceh City

Heavy metal contamination is a major problem that occurs in landfill areas and contamination will continue to increase over time. This condition has a real impact on the increase in the accumulation of various kinds of materials which will have an impact on the occurrence of hazardous material accumulation such as the heavy metal lead (Pb). The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of heavy metal contamination of Pb found in the Gampong Jawa landfill area and the availability of phytoremediation plants as a mechanism to contain pollutant levels in the soil. The method of data collection was carried out by measuring the levels of lead accumulation (Pb) in groundwater in the TPA Gampong Jawa Kota Banda Aceh using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) method and for the availability of phytoremediation plants using an observational approach with a descriptive method. under the peacock (0.5648 ppm), under the neem (0.3031 ppm), under the orange garden (0.4438 ppm). The phytoremediation plants found included Samanea saman L, Leucaena leucocephala L, Cymbopogon citratus, Imperata cylindrica L, Desmodium ovalifolium, Azadirachta indica

Аккумуляция тяжелых металлов в почвах и фитомассе на урбанизированных территориях

Purpose: To carry out a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the content of heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Pb, Cd) in soils and aboveground vegetation organs of plants of the Olive family, namely the common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) growing in urban areas, using the example of the central part of the city of St. Petersburg. To assess the accumulation of iron, zinc, cadmium and lead by soil cover and phytomass, depending on the remoteness of the street-traffic network adjacent to garden-park areas, and the traffic intensity along the studied highways. Methods: The experimental method, based on the “Methodology for determining vehicle emissions for conducting summary calculations of urban air pollution”, has been used to determine the composition and traffic intensity of the traffic flow passing along highways adjacent to the study areas. Subsequently, the obtained data have been statistically processed. A total of 20 sampling points have been identified at the study sites, at different distances from the pollution source. Based on the adopted “Methodological guidelines for determining heavy metals in soils of agricultural lands and crop products”, samples have been taken and further sample preparation has been carried out for research by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. In the laboratory of the testing center “Ecological and Occupational Safety” of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education PGUPS, using the method of flame atomic absorption spectrometry, a quantitative analysis of the content of heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Pb, Cd) in selected soil and phytomass samples has been carried out. Results: The quantitative and qualitative composition of the intensity of the traffic flow passing through the central part of the city of St. Petersburg has been determined. The concentrations of heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Cd, Pb) have been determined in all selected soil samples and phytomass at the beginning and at the end of the growing season, leaves of common lilac shrubs growing in the central regions of the city of St. Petersburg. In most samples, elevated concentrations of heavy metals have been found in the aboveground vegetation organs of shrubs taken at the end of the growing season, compared with those taken at the beginning of the growing season. Practical significance: It is shown that the accumulation of heavy metals in plants and soil largely depends on the location of the pollution source and its intensity. The data obtained can be recommended for practical use.

Is the Plant Bolboschoenus maritimus an Adequate Biomonitor for Trace Metal Contamination in Saltmarshes? A Field Study from the Óbidos Lagoon (Portugal)

Monitoring the negative impacts of trace metals is crucial to assess the health and stability of ecosystems. In salt marshes, halophyte plants were reported as possible bioaccumulators of these elements. The aim of this work was to explore the bioaccumulation potential of Bolboschoenus maritimus as a tool for monitoring the presence of metals in coastal environments. Bolboschoenus maritimus were collected from a brackish water lagoon, and the presence of the trace metals lead, cadmium, and nickel were seasonally evaluated in distinct parts of the plants, and in water and sediment samples. Lead was the trace metal with the highest concentration detected in water and sediments of the sampling site. The highest lead concentrations in B. maritimus were recorded in the spring season. The transport index indicated an accumulation of lead in the leaves of around 70% in the spring of 2009. Cadmium in leaves in spring and summer of 2009 reached values above 5 mg Cd. kg−1. Nickel was not detected in most samples collected. Bolboschoenus maritimus was considered an adequate biomonitor for lead and cadmium, since it bioaccumulates both metals with seasonally distinct results, as the bioaccumulation factor results indicated.

Accumulation of Lead and Nutrients in Soybean and Sorghum Cultivated in Lead-Affected Tropical Soils

ABSTRACT Lead is a potentially toxic chemical element, being responsible for many deleterious effects in living organisms. Therefore, understanding its dynamics and influence on plant growth is relevant for food security. The influence of Pb doses on nutrient accumulation in sorghum and soybean in two tropical soils with different buffering capacities was tested in a greenhouse study with four independent experiments (one per species/soil combination). The hypothesis was that the presence of Pb in soil decreases the accumulation of nutrients in soybean and sorghum plants. Soybean cultivated in a Typic Hapludox (TH) and sorghum, cultivated in both a Rhodic Acrudox (RA) and a TH, received 0, 200, 400, 800, 1200, 1600, 2200, and 2800 mg/kg of Pb, while soybean cultivated in RA received 0, 200, 400, 800, and 1600 mg/kg of Pb. Seeds were sown 24 h after application of Pb. Plants were harvested 21 days after the emergence of at least 50% of plants from the control treatment (approximately 30 days in total). Lead, macro, and micronutrient contents were determined in the shoot dry matter (SDM), and bioavailable Pb in soil was assessed by Mehlich-1. In general, TH allowed greater Pb uptake by plants, due to its lower buffering capacity. Soybean was the most affected crop with decreasing concentrations of N, K, Mg, and Ca, the latter was especially affected, with deficiency symptoms being observed. Effects on a longer time-scale are unknown, since significant decreases in nutrient contents were observed.

Melatonin or vitamin C attenuates lead acetate-induced testicular oxidative and inflammatory damage in mice by inhibiting oxidative stress mediated NF-κB signaling

Lead (Pb) acts as an environmental endocrine disruptor and has negative effects in animals; excessive accumulation of lead causes reproductive dysfunction in male animals. Oxidative stress plays a vital role in Pb-induced injury. However, the mechanisms underlying chronic testicular toxicity of Pb remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of lead acetate on reproductive function in male mice, identify the underlying mechanisms, and test counter measures to alleviate the toxic effects. Male mice were dosed with lead acetate (500 mg/L) in free drinking water for 12 weeks, and administered melatonin (5 mg/kg) or vitamin C (500 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection. Blood from the eyeball, testicles, and sperm from the caudal epididymis were collected after 12 weeks and analyzed. Pb exposure reduced sperm count and motility, increased sperm malformation (P < 0.01), disrupted testicular morphology and structure, and decreased the expression of steroid hormone synthesis-related enzymes and serum testosterone concentration (P < 0.01). Pb also increased the number of inflammatory cells and the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 (P < 0.01), and activated NF-κB signaling. Furthermore, the ROS yield and oxidation indicators LPO and MDA were significantly increased (P < 0.01), and the antioxidant indicators T-AOC, SOD, and GSH were significantly reduced (P < 0.01). Treatment with melatonin or vitamin C reversed the effects of lead acetate; vitamin C was more effective in restoring SOD activity (P < 0.01) and enhancing ZO-1 protein levels (P < 0.01). Thus, long-term exposure to lead acetate at low concentrations could adversely affect sperm quality and induce inflammatory damage by oxidative stress mediated NF-κB signaling. Vitamin C could act as a protective agent and improve reproductive dysfunction in male animals after lead accumulation.