Biochemical effects of some natural chelating agents decreasing lead toxicity

Lead was determined in River Nile water and tap water in different localities of Great Cairo. The results revealed a high degree of lead pollution. In an attempt to reduce the biochemical effect of lead poisoning, 2% pectin or 2% chitin were incorporated in the rat diet given 200 ppm pb [as lead acetate] in drinking water. Four groups of rats were used [each group 10 rats] and the experiment was conducted for 42 days. Regarding lead content in different organs and blood, a net decrease occurred by pectin or chitin addition to the diet. In case of pectin addition, lead content in liver, kidney, brain and blood decreased by 38.3, 46.4, 24.05 and 12.1% respectively as compared with rat given 200 ppm Pb in drinking wafer. In case of chitin addition a similar trend was observed. Glutathion content significantly decreased in liver, kidney and blood by pectin or chitin addition. Got, GPT, alkaline phosphatase activities, haemoglobin and hematocrite values were close to those of controls. Statistical analysis was also carried out on the above results

Biochemical studies on the effect of lead pollution

The level of lead deposition and the extent of vegetables pollution were studied. Lead in unwashed Ficus nitida leaves throughout the four seasons in Great Cairo averaged 45 ppm in Giza and 3.6 ppm in low polluted area. Washed leaves showed values ranging from 0.88 to 19.9 ppm. Vegetables collected from 20 markets in Cairo indicated that Spearmint. Leaves had the highest lead content [92.Oppm] followed by Lettuce [22 ppm] and tomatoes [2.7 ppm]. An experiment was carried out to study the biological effect of lead in drinking water. Lead was given to rats in drinking water containing 0.0, 100, 2140, and 1000 ppm. as lead acetate for 42 days. Lead content increase in kidneys, brain, blood and liver by 23.7, 18.15, 11.3 and 8.7 -folds by giving 1000 ppm, as compared with specific control. Glutathione in different organs and blood showed also a positive correlation with lead ingestion. Hemoglobin and Hematocrit decreased by about 50% in blood by increasing lead up to 1000 ug/ml in drinking water. GPT. GOT and alkaline phosphatase activities were significantly increased by increasing lead doses drinking water