Lead-induced adverse effects on the reproductive system of rats with particular reference to histopathological changes in uterus

Abstract

Objectives:This study was undertaken to elucidate the adverse effect of lead on female reproductive system following in vivo exposure in rats.Materials and Methods:Animals of Group II, III and IV received lead acetate in drinking water (30, 100 and 300 ppm, respectively) for 28 days whereas Group I served as control. Lead levels in digested blood and bone samples were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometer.Results:Marked and a significant decrease in per cent body weight gain was observed in rats of Group IV and III, respectively, compared to that in the control group. Relative uterine weights were found to decrease by 27% in Group III and IV compared to control and low dose lead treated (30 ppm) rats. Lead levels were found to increase in a linear manner in blood along with a marked increase in bone levels in 100 ppm exposure group while there was a decrease in both the blood and bones levels at 300 ppm exposure. Compared to plasma progesterone levels in rats of the control group, a nonsignificant (12.46–21.13%) reduction in plasma progesterone were observed in different lead-treated groups. No apparent gross pathological lesions were observed in any of the vital organs, including uterus. However, histopathological examination of uteri of different groups revealed lead-induced dose-dependent inflammatory changes, which were characterized by thickening of the endometrium, narrowing of uterine lumen, damage to endometrial glands and vacuolar degeneration in endometrial epithelial cells.Conclusion:Findings of this study suggest lead-induced pathophysiological alterations in myometrium, which in turn may affect the reproductive efficiency of animals.

Protective Effect of Costus afer Aqueous Leaf Extract (CALE) on Low-Dose Heavy Metal Mixture-Induced Alterations in Serum Lipid Profile and Hematological Parameters of Male Wistar Albino Rats

“…A reduction in feed and fluid intake was obvious in animals treated only with the toxicants compared to the rats given deionized water. This observation is in line with the study of Nakade et al [ 18 ]. Obviously from the result, a decrease in appetite for water and food may be a result of heavy metal poisoning.…”

Effects of Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury on the Structure and Function of Reproductive Organs

“…Animals exposed to mercury showed uterus inflammatory cells in the endometrium and myometrium [ 170 ]. The uterine endometrial area was decreased compared to control, while the myometrium area showed no difference between the groups [ 170 ].…”

Risk Assessment to Evaluate if Crayons Complying with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 for Lead, Also Comply with California Proposition 65

“…Lead is a toxic heavy metal and poses serious health risks including abnormalities of male and female reproductive systems (4–7), neurological disorders (4, 8), DNA damage, and chromosomal abnormalities (9, 10) leading to carcinogenesis (3, 4). To minimize the risk to children, the CPSC may also consider further lowering the permissible level of lead in products for children.…”

“…Based on the assumptions described above, we conclude that the crayons containing 99 ppm of lead, a level at which the crayons comply with the CPSC regulation under the CPSIA, will require labeling under the California Proposition 65, the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, as a reproductive toxin. Lead is a toxic heavy metal and poses serious health risks including abnormalities of male and female reproductive systems ( 4 – 7 ), neurological disorders ( 4 , 8 ), DNA damage, and chromosomal abnormalities ( 9 , 10 ) leading to carcinogenesis ( 3 , 4 ). To minimize the risk to children, the CPSC may also consider further lowering the permissible level of lead in products for children.…”

“…Exposure to lead causes numerous harmful effects on various organs including nervous and reproductive systems ( 7 ). Lead exposure has been associated with impaired spermatogenesis, reduced serum testosterone level, infertility, and abnormal prostatic functions in males ( 7 , 8 ) and infertility, miscarriage, and pregnancy hypertension and premature delivery in females ( 9 , 10 ). Among all the organs, the nervous system is the key target for lead-induced toxicity.…”