Lead acetate-induced hepatoxicity in Wistar rats: possible protective role of combination therapy

Experimental studies have shown that sulphur-containing antioxidants have beneficial effects against the detrimental properties of Pb. In the present study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of combined administration of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC; 50 mg/kg p.o.) and selenium (Se; 0.5 mg/kg p.o.) against lead acetate intoxication (Pb; 0.2% in water ad libitum) in a male rat model for 12 wk. The exposure of rats to lead acetate produced significant (P < 0.05) alterations in cytochrome P450 (CYP) activity, microsomal lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione, and proteins. In addition, significant elevation in liver markers transaminases, triglycerides, cholesterol, and bilirubin as well as a decline in albumin were also compared with the experimental control rats. Combined treatment of lead-exposed animals with NAC and Se showed marked improvement of the biochemical, molecular, and histopathological findings. These experimental results strongly indicate the protective effect of NAC alone with Se against toxic effects of lead on liver tissue.