The protective effect of green tea extract on lead induced oxidative and DNA damage on rat brain

The role of green tea in protection against neurotoxicity induced by lead acetate was investigated in rats. Five equal groups, each of ten rats were used. The first group was served as control, the second, third, and fourth groups were given lead acetate, lead acetate and green tea, and green tea only, respectively, for one month, the fifth group was administered lead acetate for one month followed by green tea for 15 days. Lead acetate was given orally at a dose of 100 mg/kg b. wt, while green tea was given in drinking water at a concentration of 5 g/L. Lead acetate administration induced loss of body weight and decreased concentration of reduced glutathione and SOD activity in brain tissues as well as significantly high DNA fragmentation and pathological changes. Co-administration of green tea with lead acetate significantly alleviated these adverse effects.

► Lead acetate induced neurotoxicity in rat brain in cerebrum, cerebellum and MO. ► DNA fragmentation was higher in different regions of intoxicated rat brain. ► Pathological alterations were evident with lead acetate intoxicated rat brain. ► Green tea induces a significant protective effect against neurotoxicity of lead.