Objective: Lead toxicity, a global health concern, damages many organs. Spirulina is a blue-green algae which has vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant properties, may alleviate injury resulting from lead toxicity. This investigation aimed to determine the protective benefits of Spirulina on acute lead toxicity.
Materials and Methods: Thirty-two Wistar rats were divided into four groups of 8: Control, lead toxicity group which received lead acetate (50 mg/kg/day, i.p), EDTA group which received lead acetate + EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, 50 mg/kg/day, i.p) and Spirulina group received lead acetate + Spirulina (1000 mg/kg/day, oral gavage). After one week, blood samples were taken for serum liver enzymes, testosterone, BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen), and creatinine determination. Additionally, the livers, kidneys, and testes were dissected, weighed, and saved for evaluation of oxidant-antioxidant factors and histopathological studies. Antioxidant status was assessed by measuring the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase in liver, kidney and testis homogenates.
Results: Our results showed that lead toxicity caused a reduction in the organ index, which was improved by EDTA and Spirulina treatment. Lead toxicity significantly increased serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (AlkP), and creatinine, which were significantly reduced by Spirulina treatment. Histological studies indicated that treatment by EDTA and Spirulina improved histological changes in liver, kidney and testis organs. In addition, treatment with spirulina reduced MDA and increased SOD and catalase in liver and testis tissues.
Conclusion: Spirulina improved complications of lead toxicity by improving redox balance. These promising results suggest its potential as a protective agent, though further studies are warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms and clinical applicability.