Abstract
Background: Lead (Pb) poisoning remains a persistent global health concern, particularly in low-income regions where environmental and occupational exposure is widespread. This study evaluated the protective role of Vitamin C (VC) against Pb-induced organotoxicity and testicular histopathology in male albino rats.
Methods: Twenty-four rats were randomly assigned into four groups (n=6) and administered Pb acetate (60 mg/kg BW), VC (100 mg/kg BW) or a combination of both for 65 days to mimic prolonged environmental exposure. Mean baseline weights did not differ significantly between groups (p=0.18), confirming uniformity before treatment.
Results: The mean body weights reduced in a significant manner (p=0.012, η²=0.41) in Pb-treated rats when compared with the control. Pb significantly elevated tissue residue levels and reduced final body and testicular weights (p=0.008, η²=0.53), while VC co-administration markedly attenuated these alterations. Pb exposure also significantly reduced heart and epididymis weights, while Vitamin C co-administration showed recovery, with no changes observed in liver, kidney, or lung weights. Histological analysis revealed degeneration and disorganization of spermatogenic layers in Pb-exposed testes, whereas VC restored tissue architecture towards near-normal morphology.
Conclusion: Findings indicate that VC reduces Pb accumulation and mitigates organotoxicity, highlighting its relevance as an accessible and low-cost protective agent for populations exposed to heavy metals.