Effect of Resveratrol on Some Biochemical Parameters in Lead-intoxicated Male Wistar Rats

Resveratrol is a potent antioxidant, demonstrated to ameliorate adverse effects of heat stress-induced toxicity. Information on the ameliorative effect of resveratrol on heavy metals induced organ toxicity is scanty. The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effect of resveratrol on some biochemical parameters in lead-intoxicated male Wistar rats. The study employed 36 male wistar rats (150 - 250 g) divided equally into six (6) groups. The first group (negative control) was administered carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) 10 g/l body weight (BW) daily for 19 days. The second group (positive control) was administered lead acetate solution (120 mg/kg BW) daily for 2 weeks. The third group was administered lead acetate solution (120 mg/kg BW) daily for 2 weeks then treated with succimer (10 mg/kg BW) daily for 5 days. The fourth group was administered lead acetate solution (120 mg/kg BW) daily for 2 weeks then treated with resveratrol (200 mg/kg BW) daily for 5 days. The fifth group was administered lead acetate solution (120 mg/kg BW) daily for 2 weeks then treated with resveratrol (400 mg/kg BW) daily for 5 days. The sixth group was pretreated with resveratrol (400 mg/kg BW) daily for 5 days then administered lead acetate solution (120 mg/kg BW) daily for 2 weeks and considered as prophylactic group. All treatments were administered orally by gavage. The acute toxicity of Resveratrol was evaluated using Organization of European Economic Community (OECD) up and down method via oral routes in rats and the LD50 was found to be above 5000 mg/kg. Relative organ weights (ROW) of the animals were evaluated after euthanization. No significant (P > 0.05) difference in ROW of resveratrol treated groups when compared with positive control group. Blood lead levels (BLLs) and biochemical parameters were evaluated. The results showed no significant (P > 0.05) difference in BW of resveratrol-treated group when compared to the positive control group. Resveratrol-pretreated group showed improved BW when compared to that of the positive control group rats, although the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). There was significant decrease in BLLs of Resveratrol-treated groups (P < 0.001) when compared to both negative and positive control groups. No significant (P > 0.05) change was recorded for the liver function parameters and electrolytes concentration, when the resveratrol-treated rats were compared to negative and positive control groups. Resveratrol has showed an improved body and relative organ weights in lead poisoned male wistar rats. Resveratrol has significantly decrease BLLs in lead poisoned male wistar rats. The result obtained from this study suggests that resveratrol possess ameliorative effects in lead poisoning.