Effect of Vitamin C on Histopathologic and Antioxidant Status of Lead-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Abstract

Lead is a heavy metal that for decades has been known for its adverse effects on various body organs and systems such that functions are compromised. The present study was carried out to evaluate the oxidative status in Wistar rat’s liver induced by lead acetate toxicity and also to investigate the ameliorative effects of vitamin C against lead poisoning. The rats (110-130g) were grouped into 4, consisting of 8 rats per group. Group 1 served as control, given only rat chow and distilled water. Group 2 was given 100 mg/kg body weight of lead acetate. Group 3 was given 100 mg/kg body weight of vitamin C, while group 4 was given both 100 mg/kg body weight
of lead acetate and 100 mg/kg of vitamin C for 21 days. These rats were also given rat chow and distilled water ad libitum. The biochemical analytes: malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were measured spectrophotometrically. Administration of lead acetate induced significant increase (P< 0.05) in the concentration of hepatic MDA while hepatic SOD and CAT were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Histopathological changes were observed in the liver as hepatic vacuolation and moderate activation of Kupffer cells. Treatment with vitamin C reduced the hepatic MDA and increased SOD and CAT activities. These findings lead to the conclusion that vitamin C significantly decreased the adverse harmful effects of lead acetate exposure on the liver and has protective actions against lead induced histopathological changes in tissue tissue.