Showing 3 results for Lead
Morteza Behnam Rassouli, Nargess Ghayour, Majid Afsharian, Maryam Tehranipour, Mohammad Bagher Ghayour,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (4-2010)
Abstract
Background: Oxidative stress is one of the probable molecular mechanisms involved in lead (Pb) neurotoxicity. On the other hand, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) which is widely used in traditional medicine, has a high antioxidant activity. In this study, the protective impacts of Melissa officinalis on the adverse effects of Pb toxicity on learning ability were investigated. Materials and Methods: In this experimental-clinical trial, 40 virgin Wistar rats were mated and divided into control, control positive (vitamin C+Pb), control negative (Pb), and 3 Pb and Mellisa experimental groups. Mellisa was orally administered in three doses including + 25, 50 and 100 mg/ kg of body weight daily. Treatment started from 7th day of gestation and continued through pregnancy and lactation periods. The three month- old offsprings in each group were assessed in terms of memory and learning ability by Morris water maze test and the results were compared between the groups. Results: Exposure to Pb during and after gestation leads to learning disorders. While concomitant administration of Pb and Melissa, as well as vitamin C can, to a large degree, reduce the adverse effects of Pb on learning abilities. Conclusion: Since no significant differences were obtained from the comparison of results in the control, Pb+M and vitamin C+Pb groups, it can be concluded that Melissa has antioxidant impacts equal to vitamin C. Therefore, similar to vitamin C, Mellisa can decrease the neurotoxic effects of Pb.
Ali Akbar Malekirad, Ali Fani, Mohammad Abdollahi, Shahrbanoo Oryan, Vahhab Babapor, Seyed Mohhamad Ali Shariat Zadeh, Morteza Davodi,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (1-2011)
Abstract
Background: Lead (Pb) brings about a variety of cognitive, mental, renal, and blood system disorders by inducing oxidative stress. The aim of this study is to compare blood and urine parameters in the workers exposed to Pb and zinc (Zn) with those in the control group. Materials and Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with a total number of 134 subjects. The case group included 67 male workers with the age range of 22-65 who had at least worked a minimum of one work shift for two years in the Zn-Pb mine located in the southwest of Arak, Iran. Control subjects consisted of 67 farmers of a village near the mine who had no history of occupational exposure to Pb, Zn, and other metals. Mental disorders were evaluated through the standard Scl-90-R while cognitive disorders were evaluated via the Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE). Results: The mean level of blood and urine parameters did not reveal significant differences between the two groups. The mean scores of physical complaints, anxiety, and aggression scales were significantly higher in the case group than the control (p<0.05), whereas the mean scores on MMSE did not reveal a significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: The oxidative stress of Pb led to mental disorders as a result, the mine workers suffered from more psycho- pathology and are in need of greater care. Due to the impacts of Pb and Zn, the proper use of safety equipments and taking daily showers can reduce the risk of absorption of toxic agents and their subsequent hazards for workers.
Elham Soleimani, Iran Goudarzi, Kataneh Abrari, Taghi Lashkarbolouki,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (5-2016)
Abstract
Background: Few studies have investigated the possible ways to prevent lead induced defects during gestation and lactation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of melatonin as a hormone with antioxidant properties on oxidative stress in the hippocampus and learning and memory impairment induced by administration of lead.
Materials and Methods: Pregnant rats were exposed to treatments of control, lead acetate (0.2% solution in water), lead acetate + melatonin and melatonin (10 mg / kg by oral gavage) from gestation day 6 until weaning. 21 days after birth, the activities of several antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and catalase (CAT) as well as malondialdehyde levels in hippocampus of 23 male offspring rats were assayed. To behavioral studies, on postnatal day 30, 57 rats were trained 6 days in the Morris water maze and the probe test was performed 24 h later.
Results: The results showed that administration of lead during pregnancy and lactation could increase MDA levels and decrease glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase antioxidant enzymes activities in the hippocampus of male offspring. Also, this treatment significantly disrupted performance of the Morris water maze test and impaired learning and spatial memory in male offspring compared with control. Administration of melatonin attenuated lipid peroxidation and could improve learning and spatial memory deficits and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in lead exposure group.
Conclusion: Melatonin as a neuropotective drug can protect the hippocampus against the complications of lead exposure, in the course of development.
