الفهرس 
INTRODUCTIONOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Consumption of food contaminated by heavy metals has become a universal challenge. Lead (Pb) was among the most abundant pollutants identified as a threatening and persistent poison. Lead is considered a risk factor for hepatotoxicity, renal toxicity, as well as developmental and behavioral complications. Among the organs affected by Pb toxicity; the liver is the most prominent depositor of Pb, followed by the kidney.
The use of herbal remedies has steadily gained popularity in both developed and developing countries in recent times. Physalis PeruvianaL is a member of the Solanaceaefamily and one of the neglected, orphan crops or underutilized (NUCs) that have been confirmed to have nutritional benefits because of their high antioxidant activity, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Multiple scholars explore the beneficial influences of various plant extracts against oxidative stress caused by Pb and reduce the accumulation of Pb in the liver by enhancing the profile of the liver and kidneys.
The hepatorenal protective influence of Physalis PeruvianaL. was evaluated against many types of toxic compounds such as cadmium and carbon tetrachloride. Physalis Peruviana fruit juice as an example, has the ability to help in the improvement of liver enzymes levels in serum, reducing malonaldehyde & nitric oxide and restoration of the activity of antioxidant systems (enzymatic and non-enzymatic) in CCl4-treated rats. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of Physalis Peruviana against lead-induced toxicity in male albino rats.
A total of 72 rats were classified into 6 groups; three groups include 8 rats and three groups include 16 rats. The course of the study last for eight weeks (56 days). The study protocol was implemented into two phases every phase last for 4 weeks (28 days).
Phase I (the 1st 4 weeks)
• group I: Control group, 16 rats were fed standard commercial diet and provided with tap water ad libitum.
• group II (16 rats), III, IV, and V (8 rats each) were fed standard commercial diet and provided with lead acetate dissolved in drinking water to obtain a 10 ppm concentration according to Needleman Bellinger, (1991).
• group VI (16 rats) was fed standard commercial diet and provided with 10ppm lead acetate in drinking water. In the meantime, 300 mg of Physalis Peruviana fruit solution was orally administrated to the rats daily.
At the end of phase, I (28 days), eight rats from each of the control group, group II and group VI were euthanized by inhalation of isoflurane 5%. Blood, Serum, and tissue samples were collected for further biochemical tests. Livers and kidneys were collected, weighed, and stored for further investigations
Phase II (the 2nd 4 weeks)
A total of 48 rats out of 72 at the start of the experiment.
• group I (control group): 8 rats were fed on a standard commercial diet and provided with tap water ad libitum.
• group II (control positive group): 8 rats were fed on standard diet and tab-water ad-libitum and left without treatment.
• group III: 8 rats afforded with a standard diet and tab-water ad-libitum, and orally fed with 200mg/kg bwt of Physalis Peruviana solution on daily bases.
• group IV: 8 rats were fed on standard diet and tab-water ad-libitum, and orally fed with 300mg/kg bwt of Physalis Peruviana solution on daily bases.
• group V: 8 rats were fed on standard diet and tab-water ad-libitum, and orally fed with 500mg/kg bwt of Physalis Peruviana solution on daily bases.
• group VI: 8 rats were fed on standard diet and tab-water ad-libitum, and orally fed with 300mg/kg bwt of Physalis Peruviana solution on daily bases.
• At the end of week eight rats were fasted overnight &euthanized by inhalation of isoflurane 5%. Blood samples were collected and serum was separated and stored at -20 °C for further biochemical tests. Livers and kidneys were collected, weighted, washed and stored for further investigations.
The following Parameters were measured after 4 and 8 weeks for the different groups:
• Weight change percentage
• Liver enzymes function tests
a. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
b. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
• Antioxidant and lipid peroxidation (oxidative stress markers)
a. Glutathione (GSH)
b. Catalase (CAT)
c. Superoxide dismutase (SOD)
d. Malondialdehyde (MDA)
• Concentration of lead in liver tissue
• Complete blood count.
• Histopathological examination for liver tissue& kidney tissue.
5.1 Conclusion
It could be concluded from the study that:
The presence of lead in diet of rats for 4 weeks increases each of the following:
↑ Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
↑ Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
↑ Malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver tissue
↑ Concentration of lead in liver tissue
The presence of lead in diet of rats for 4 weeks decreases each of the following enzymes in the liver tissue.
↓ Glutathione (GSH)
↓ Catalase (CAT)
↓ Superoxide dismutase (SOD)
The oral administration of Physalis Peruviana fruit solution to rats fed on lead acetate was found to mitigate the toxicity by:
Lowering the increase in the following parameters:
↓ Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
↓ Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
↓ Malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver tissue
↓ Concentration of lead in liver tissue and
Lowering the decrease ofthe followingenzymes:
↑ Glutathione (GSH)
↑ Catalase (CAT)
↑ Superoxide dismutase (SOD)
In addition, oral administration of Physalis Peruviana fruit solution helped to reverse the damage to liver & kidney tissue.
Co-administration of Physalis Peruvianawith lead, as a prophylaxis measure, succeeded to reduce the development of histopathological changes associated with lead hepatotoxicity and reduce lead accumulation in liver tissue.
5.3 Recommendations
Minimizing the further entry of lead into the environment. Regulations concerning airborne lead should be enforced, use of lead in consumer product should be minimized, and consideration should always be given to whether a child might come into contact with such a product.
Conducting further studies on Physalis Peruvianaplant to see how it affects the toxicity of lead.
Raising public awareness about the sources of heavy metals pollution, especially lead, because of their high-risk effects on public health.