Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Moringa Oleifera in Lead Poisoning: An Investigation of its Effects on Blood Lead Levels and Oxidative Stress in Rats

Objective: Lead poisoning is a global public health problem that has been associated with poor treatment outcomes. We therefore evaluated the ability of Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) to reduce blood lead level (BLL) and lead-induced oxidative stress in relation to dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) in albino wister rats. Methods: Thirty rats were allocated into five groups consisted of 6 rats each. Control group (A) received normal rat chow and water ad libitum for 12 weeks. Group (B-E) initially received 100 mg/kg body weight lead acetate per oral for 6 weeks. Thereafter, groups B, C, D and E received DMSA and different doses of M. oleifera and their combination for another 6 weeks. Blood samples were collected prior to treatment, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks post-treatment for the analysis of BLL, malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione-s-transferase (GST). Results: BLL and MDA increased significantly (p<0.05) while serum SOD, CAT, and GST activities decreased significantly (p<0.05) from their pre-treatment levels after 6 weeks of lead acetate administration. However, 400 mg/kg body weight M. oleifera administration after 12 weeks post-treatment significantly (p<0.05) decreased 6 weeks BLL by (40.5%); MDA (52%); and significantly (p<0.05) increased the activities of serum SOD by (35%); CAT (26.3%); and GST (53%). Conclusion: M. oleifera was observed to not only effectively reduce blood lead levels but also ameliorate lead induced oxidative stress through enhanced antioxidant activities. M. oleifera may therefore, serve as an alternative therapeutic approach to lead poisoning especially in resource limited settings

The Effects of Lead on Some Markers of Liver and Kidney Functions of Lead Recycling Factory Workers are Mediated Through Increased Oxidative Stress

Background: Lead is a highly toxic metal of great public health importance. Objectives: This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the kidney and liver function status and the markers of oxidative stress among lead recycling factory workers in Anambra State, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 82 subjects (41 experimental and 41 control subjects) aged 20-60 years were recruited in this study. Lead levels in whole blood were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and uric acid levels as well as the activities of glutathione S-transferase (GST), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT) were measured using the spectrophotometric method. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities were determined using colorimetric method and Berthelot’s and Jaffe slot methods were used to measure urea and creatinine levels, respectively. Results: The mean activities of SOD, GST, and catalase as well as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were significantly lower in lead recycling workers compared with control group (P<0.05), whereas the mean activities of ALT, AST, ALP, and γ-GT, as well as blood lead, MDA, urea, creatinine, and uric acid levels significantly increased in lead recycling workers (P<0.05). Furthermore, blood lead level was found positively correlated with MDA and creatinine levels but negatively with eGFR and GST levels (P<0.05). MDA level showed positive and negative correlations with creatinine and eGFR (P<0.05), respectively. Conclusion: This study revealed significant alterations in the levels of some biochemical and oxidative stress parameters in liver and kidney in lead recycling factory workers and showed a possible link between oxidative stress and the toxic effects of lead on the kidney and liver

Effect of omega-3 supplementation on serum adiponectin and fertility hormones in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy affecting women of reproductive age with prevalence of about 4%–20%. Aim: This study aims to evaluate serum adiponectin and fertility hormones in women with PCOS, and the subsequent effect of omega-3 supplementation. Subjects and Methods: One hundred and fifty women aged 18–40 years were assigned into groups A and B comprising women with PCOS and control, respectively. Group A was further subdivided into groups 1 and 2 receiving omega-3 and placebo daily for 12 weeks, respectively. Blood samples were collected before and after 12 weeks of supplementation for analysis of adiponectin, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, prolactin, estradiol, progesterone, and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 was used for data analysis, and the level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: Serum adiponectin, progesterone, and SHBG were significantly lower while FSH, LH, testosterone, prolactin, and estradiol were significantly higher in women with PCOS when compared with the control (P < 0.05). Adiponectin and progesterone levels increased significantly while FSH, LH, testosterone, prolactin, and estradiol levels decreased significantly after 12 weeks of omega-3 supplementation when compared with the levels at baseline as well as when compared with those on placebo (P < 0.05). Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 was used for data analysis. Conclusion: Omega-3 may be beneficial in improving certain hormonal alterations in women with PCOS. Omega-3 supplements may therefore be used as part of the regimen in the management of patients with PCOS