ABSTRACT
Lead acetate, a well-known white crystalline neurotoxicant with the formula Pb(C2H3O2)2, is a compound that is hazardous to human health and the environment due to its adverse impacts on the Central Nervous System (CNS). Lead exposure can cause impairments in the frontal cortex, affecting executive functions, decision-making and personality traits as well as other functions. Cucumis sativus is a plant identified by its high water content, nutritional, medicinal, and most importantly, its antioxidant properties. These antioxidants shield and enhance the maintenance of cellular integrity by neutralizing the effects of neurotoxins in order to alleviate cerebral toxicity or damage. The role of plant-based antioxidants in the improvement of memory and other cognitive functions as well as its ability to reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases has increased their potential use and relevance as potential therapeutic agents. Accordingly, this research aims to investigate the potential neuroprotective effects of Cucumis sativus on lead acetate-induced toxicity in the cerebrum of Wistar rats. In this study, twenty-one (21) Wistar rats were divided into three (3) groups – A, B, and C – each group consisting of seven (7) rats, with group A serving as the Control group and others as treatment groups. Group A rats received standard rat food and water, Group B (Pb) rats received 100 mg/kg body weight of Lead acetate ONLY, and Group C (CC + Pb) received 250 mg/kg of Cucumis sativus + 100 mg/kg of lead acetate. Administration was done orally for a period of twenty-eight (28) days with the use of an orogastric tube to ensure accuracy. At the end of the experiment, neurobehavioral study was carried out using the Y-maze test to evaluate the spontaneous alternation of the rats. Thereafter, the rats were sacrificed and the cerebrum was harvested for evaluation of histological changes, antioxidants [Catalase, Superoxide Dismutase, Glutathione (GSH) and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx)] and Lipid Peroxidation activity. Findings from this study indicated that exposure to lead acetate unveiled a spectrum of hazardous effects evident in the reduction in final body and brain weight as well as impaired neurobehavioral activity, thus indicating a breach in cognitive abilities and executive functions. Lead acetate exposure also reduced antioxidants activity and increased lipid peroxidation in the cerebrum thereby inducing oxidative stress. However, pretreatment with Cucumis sativus fruit extract improved body weight, neurobehavioral and antioxidants activity, in addition to reduced lipid peroxidation in the rats exposed to lead acetate. Histological findings indicated alterations following the administration of lead acetate with evident distortion in the integrity of the cerebral components. However, pretreatment with Cucumis sativus protected against lead-induced damage and therefore, presented improved integrity of the cerebrum. Taken together, pretreatment with Cucumis sativus fruit extract had neuroprotective effects on the cerebrum of rats exposed to lead acetate.
