Lead Induced Liver and Kidney Toxicity in Adult Wistar Rats: Evaluating the Role of Coconut Water

Abstract

Lead is used in many different products, including as paints, pigments, solder, stained glass, lead crystal glassware, ammunition, ceramic glazes, jewellery, toys. Lead exposure can result in significant and enduring harm, particularly to the liver, which is among the most impacted organs. Coconut water is documented to be a strong antioxidants and it can help decrease blood sugar and cholesterol levels among other health benefits. In exploring the antioxidant properties of coconut, the effect of coconut water on lead poisoning on the liver and kidney of adult male rats was investigated in this study. Twenty-eight adult male rats were procured from the Pharmacological Department of Niger Delta University. The rats were weighed and categorised into five groups. The rats in the treatment groups received 2mg/kg of lead acetate via their abdominal wall. Several of these rats were administered varying quantities of coconut water. After four weeks, the animals were euthanised, and their kidney and livers were excised, processed, and stained with H&E. The findings indicated that the livers of rats exposed just to lead had enlarged central veins, regions of hepatocyte destruction, obstructed hepatic spaces, and an increased presence of immune cells known as Kupffer cells. The rats administered lead and coconut water exhibited engorged veins, compromised hepatic cells, obstructed spaces, and altered Kupffer cells. Nonetheless, the rats that exclusively consumed coconut water had normal liver morphology. The study ultimately concluded that coconut water at the dose utilised did not mitigate the detrimental effects of lead on the liver and Kidney of the rats.