Modulatory Effects of D-Ribose-L-Cysteine on Lead-Induced Neuro-Reproductive Toxicity in the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian Axis of Adult Wistar Rats
Background: A common environmental toxin, lead acetate (LA), has been linked to oxidative stress, neuroendocrine disruption, and reproductive health problems. D-ribose-L-Cysteine (DRLC) has cytoprotective and antioxidant qualities that could mitigate damage from LA. This study investigated how DRLC protected female Wistar rats exposed to LA from behavioral, hormonal, histological, and biochemical changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis.
Methods: Twenty adult female Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n=5): a combination group (LA+DRLC), DRLC only (100 mg/kg), LA only (0.05 w/v 1.5ml/rat in a day), and control. Hormonal assays, neurobehavioral tests, oxidative stress markers and histological evaluations were measured and performed following a 28-day oral exposure. EPM test and Sexual Performance Paradigm test was conducted to measure anxiety level and assess sexual behavior.
Results: Hormone (LH, FSH) and neurotransmitters (dopamine) level were altered after exposure to LA and treatment with DRLC. Elevated nitric oxide and reduced superoxide dismutase levels indicated oxidative imbalance as a result of exposure to lead acetate. Histological findings revealed vacuolization, neuronal shrinkage in the pituitary and hypothalamus, increased collagen deposition and degenerative changes in the ovary due to lead exposure. In the LA only group, immunostaining revealed strong Bax expression, which suggested heightened neuronal death. DRLC treatment ameliorated these effects, preserving tissue architecture and reducing oxidative and apoptotic markers.
Conclusion: DRLC exhibits potent neuro-reproductive protective effects against lead acetate toxicity by mitigating oxidative stress, preserving neuronal and ovarian histoarchitecture, and downregulating apoptotic pathways.
Keywords: D-Ribose-L-Cysteine, Neuro-reproductive toxicity, Hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, wistar rats.
