Ameliorative potential of stem bromelain on lead-induced toxicity in Wistar rats”

Journal Article

, Weddad Refaiea Al-Otaibi, Promy Virk, Mai Elobeid . 2015

• Publication Work Type: Research
• Magazine \ Newspaper: Acta Biologica Hungarica
• Issue Number: 2
• Volume Number: 66
• Pages: 149 to 60

Publication Abstract

The present study investigates the protective efficacy of stem bromelain against lead-induced toxicity in
male Wistar rats. There were six experimental groups; Group I was negative control, Group II was administered
only 20 mg/kg of stem bromelain. Group III and V were orally exposed to 30 mg/kg/day and
60 mg/kg/day of lead acetate, respectively. Group IV and Group VI were exposed to both low and high
dose of lead acetate, respectively, and treated with 20 mg/kg stem bromelain. The experimental period
was 21 days. The end points evaluated were, lead accumulation in kidney, liver and spleen, alanine aminotransferase
(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity, serum malonaldehyde (MDA) cholesterol
and triglycerides levels. Co-administration of stem bromelain with lead markedly reduced the
lead accumulation in the kidney and spleen. The treatment of stem bromelain also reduced the serum
MDA levels in the group exposed to lower dose of lead and serum triglyceride level in the group exposed
to higher dose of lead. The lead-induced modulated levels of serum ALT and AST were also alleviated by
bromelain treatment. Our key findings suggest a chelating potential of stem bromelain for combating lead
toxicity and oxidative stress. Bromelain represents a novel approach to the treatment of metal toxicity and
metabolic disorders with a limited therapeutic window.
Keywords: Lead acetate – bromelain – oxidative stress – hepatic damage