Immunohistochemical and morphological changes associated with hepatic damage in lead acetate-induced toxicity and mitigatory properties of naringin in cockerel chicks

Lead (Pb) toxicity constitutes a major health hazard to both humans and animals especially in the developing countries. It is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant found in the air essentially because of unregulated mining and other industrial activities. Lead can be found naturally in the soil thus, contaminating crops for human and animal food, as well as run-off water and air pollution. Intensively and extensively reared domestic chickens are exposed to contamination via inhalation and ingestion of contaminated food materials. Naringin, a product from citrus plant has been described to possess excellent metal chelating ability. Naringin is rich in flavonoid with attendant antioxidant, anti-autophagy, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and cardio-nephroprotective properties. This study was conducted to investigate the hepatoprotective and modulation of oxidative stress in commercial cockerel chickens by Naringin. Thirty-six commercial cockerel chickens were randomly assigned into six groups A-F of six birds each viz: Group A served as control group while groups B, C, and D received Lead acetate at 300 ppm via drinking water continuously till the end of the experiment. In addition, groups C and D were treated with Naringin at 80 mg/kg and 160mg/kg, respectively, via oral gavage for 8 weeks. Groups E and F were administered naringin only at 80mg/kg and 160mg/kg respectively for eight weeks. Pb toxicity induced degenerative changes in the histological sections as well as, higher expression of hepatic caspase 3 as shown by immunohistochemistry. There was increased oxidative stress markers (H2O2, MDA) and depletion of the antioxidant defense system markers SOD, GPx, GSH, and GST. It concluded that Co- treatment with Naringin ameliorated oxidative stress, enhanced antioxidant defense system, reduced the expression of hepatic caspase 3 thus, offering protection against lead acetate-induced derangements in the liver of commercial cockerel chickens.

Naringin administration mitigates oxidative stress, anemia, and hypertension in lead acetate-induced cardio-renal dysfunction in cockerel chicks

Lead is one of the major pollutants that is harmful to both animals and humans. It is found in every aspect of the environment such as the air, water, and soil. This pollutant affects both wild and domestic birds. Naringin has an active principle called flavonoid that has been found to have medicinal properties, mostly because of its antioxidant and metal chelating properties. This study was carried out to investigate the protective effect of naringin as an antioxidant against lead-induced anemia, cardio and nephrotoxicity, and hypertension. This study also aimed at elucidating the use of naringin as a heavy metal binder in poultry feed. Thirty-six cockerel chicks were used for this study, and randomly grouped into six groups per group; group A served as the control, group B received Pb-only (300 ppm), group C (Pb and naringin; 80 mg/kg), group D (Pb and naringin; 160 mg/kg), group E (naringin 80 mg/kg), and group F (naringin 160 mg/kg), respectively, for 8 weeks. Lead (Pb) was administered via drinking water, while naringin was administered via oral gavage. Lead acetate intoxication precipitated anemia as indicated by significant reductions in the values of PCV, RBC, and Hb concentration in lead-treated chicks when compared with the controls. Also, lead administration induced hypertension together with increased oxidative stress, depletion of the antioxidant defense system, reduced nitric oxide production, and an increase in high blood pressure. Immunohistochemistry indicated high expressions of cardiac troponin, renal angiotensin-converting enzymes, and renal neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin. Treatment with naringin corrected anemia, reduced oxidative stress, improved antioxidant system, reduced high blood pressure, and offered protection against lead acetate-induced cardio-renal dysfunction in cockerel chicks. We recommend that naringin should be incorporated poultry feeds as a metal binder.