The redox status in rats treated with flaxseed oil and lead-induced hepatotoxicity

Biol Trace Elem Res. 2011 Oct;143(1):457-67. doi: 10.1007/s12011-010-8882-z. Epub 2010 Oct 20.

Abstract

Lead is a persistent environmental pollutant, and its toxicity continues to be a major health problem due to its interference with natural environment. In the present study, we have evaluated the effect of flaxseed oil on lead acetate-mediated hepatic oxidative stress and toxicity in rats. Lead acetate enhanced lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide production in both serum and liver with concomitant reduction in glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase, and glutathione peroxidase activities, these findings were associated with DNA fragmentation. In addition, lead acetate caused liver injury as indicated by histopathological changed of the liver with an elevation in total bilirubin, serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, and alkaline phosphatase. Treatment of rats with flaxseed oil resulted in marked improvement in most of the studied parameters as well as histopathological features. On the basis of the above results it can hypothesized that flaxseed oil is a natural product can be protect against lead acetate-mediated hepatic cytotoxicity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alanine Transaminase / blood
  • Alkaline Phosphatase / blood
  • Animals
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases / blood
  • Bilirubin / metabolism
  • DNA Fragmentation / drug effects
  • Lead / toxicity*
  • Linseed Oil / pharmacology*
  • Liver / drug effects*
  • Liver / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Oxidation-Reduction / drug effects*
  • Rats
  • gamma-Glutamyltransferase / blood

Substances

  • Lead
  • Linseed Oil
  • gamma-Glutamyltransferase
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases
  • Alanine Transaminase
  • Alkaline Phosphatase
  • Bilirubin