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Ameliorative effect of Ononis natrix against chronic lead poisoning in mice: neurobehavioral, biochemical, and
Asmaa Haj-Khlifa1,2, Faissal Aziz3, Maroua Ait Tastift4
1Neuroscience, Pharmacology and Environment Unit (ENPE), Departement of Biology, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia,, Cadi Ayyad University, 40000, Marrakech, Morocco.
Abstract:
Lead (Pb) is one of the most common heavy metals with toxicological effects on many tissues in humans as well as animals. In order to counteract the toxic effects of this metal, the administration of synthetic or natural antioxidants is thus required. The aim of this study was to examine the beneficial effect of the aqueous extract of Ononis natrix (AEON) against lead acetate-induced damage from a behavioral, biochemical, and histological point of view. Forty-eight male mice were divided into four equal groups: Ctr (control); Pb (lead acetate 1g/l); Pb + On 100 mg/kg (lead acetate 1 g/l + AEON 100 mg/kg); Pb + On 500 mg/kg (lead acetate 1 g/l + AEON 500 mg/kg). AEON was administered orally from day 21 after the start of lead exposure up to the end of the experiment. The results revealed that lead induced behavioral disorders, increased serum levels of liver markers (AST, ALT, and bilirubin), as well as kidney markers (urea and creatinine). At the same time, levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) increased significantly. Moreover, Pb caused structural changes in the liver and kidneys of Pb-exposed mice. However, AEON administration significantly improved all lead-induced brain, liver, and kidney dysfunctions. Our results suggest that AEON could be a source of molecules with therapeutic potential against brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities caused by lead exposure.
Insights
The aqueous extract of Ononis natrix (AEON) effectively counteracted lead acetate toxicity in mice. AEON improved behavioral, biochemical, and histological damage in the brain, liver, and kidneys.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Lead (Pb) is a pervasive heavy metal causing widespread toxicological effects.
- Antioxidants, both synthetic and natural, are crucial for mitigating heavy metal toxicity.
- Understanding natural compounds' protective mechanisms against lead poisoning is vital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the protective effects of the aqueous extract of Ononis natrix (AEON) against lead acetate-induced toxicity.
- To assess AEON's impact on behavioral, biochemical, and histological parameters in a mouse model.
- To explore AEON as a potential therapeutic agent for lead poisoning.
Main Methods:
- Forty-eight male mice were exposed to lead acetate and treated with varying doses of AEON.
- Behavioral tests, serum marker analysis (liver and kidney function), and oxidative stress markers (TBARS, GPx) were employed.
- Histopathological examination of liver and kidney tissues was conducted.
Main Results:
- Lead acetate exposure induced significant behavioral deficits, elevated liver and kidney damage markers, and increased oxidative stress.
- AEON administration notably ameliorated lead-induced behavioral abnormalities.
- AEON treatment significantly restored normal liver and kidney function markers and reduced oxidative stress, alongside improving tissue histology.
Conclusions:
- The aqueous extract of Ononis natrix (AEON) demonstrates significant therapeutic potential in mitigating lead acetate-induced toxicity.
- AEON exhibits protective effects against lead-induced damage in the brain, liver, and kidneys.
- Ononis natrix may serve as a valuable natural source for developing treatments against heavy metal poisoning.
