Curcumin Ameliorates Lead (Pb2+)-Induced Hemato-Biochemical Alterations and Renal Oxidative Damage in a Rat Model

This study aims to evaluate the protective role of curcumin (Curc) against hematological and biochemical changes, as well as renal pathologies induced by lead acetate [Pb (CH3COO)(2)center dot 3H2O] treatment. Male albino rats were intraperitoneally treated with Pb2+ (25 mg of lead acetate/kg b.w., once a day) alone or in combination with Curc (30 mg of Curc/kg b.w., twice a day) for 7 days. Exposure of rats to Pb2+ caused significant decreases in hemoglobin (Hb) content, hematocrit (Ht) value, and platelet (Plt) count, while Pb2+-related leukocytosis was accompanied by absolute neutrophilia, monocytosis, lymphopenia, and eosinopenia. A significant rise in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and a marked drop of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were evident in the kidney, liver, and serum of Pb2+ group compared to that of control. Furthermore, significantly high levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and a sharp drop in serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) level were also seen in blood after injection of Pb2+. Additionally, hepatorenal function tests were enhanced. Meanwhile, Pb2+ produced marked histo-cytological alterations in the renal cortex. Co-administration of Curc to the Pb2+-treated animals restored most of the parameters mentioned above to near-normal levels/features. In conclusion, Curc appeared to be a promising agent for protection against Pb2+-induced toxicity.