Preventive effect of phytic acid against lead toxicity in growing rats: biochemical assays and measuring of blood and brain lead levels

Abstract

Phytic acid (Inositol hexaphosphate; IP6) is a natural plant antioxidant, it is found in most grain and legumes. Although much attention has been focused on the preventive effect during critical periods of development in lead poi-soned rats. Phytic acid (1%) was administered to Wistar rats during the ges-tation period and then exposed them to lead acetate (0.2%) during the lacta-tion period. We observed a decrease in body weight in the lead intoxicated group. Phytic acid treatment reduces blood lead levels and brain lead (P<0.001) compared to untreated poisoned rats. The group exposed to lead and not treated with IP6 showed an increase in liver enzyme activity (ALAT, ASAT and PAL) and electrolyte levels (Na+, K+, Cl¯). While the values of fere-mia and calcium levels decreased compared to those of control rats, batches treated with IP6 showed a significant increase in serum iron and calcium levels, whereas the value of serum Mg+2 was unchanged compared to that of the intoxicated batch. Similarly, the values of urea, creatinine and uric acid rise significantly in poisoned animals that receive only lead. Preventive treat-ment with IP6 showed a significant decrease in total cholesterol and triglyc-erides (P<0.001) compared to the intoxicated lot. IP6 provides a protection against lead-induced disturbances.