Ameliorative Effect of Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) against Lead-Induced Oxidative Stress in Wistar Albino Rats

Eman F. El Azab

Background and Objective: Lead is defined as a severe adverse metal that induces neurological, renal, haematological and hepatic dysfunctions. It stimulates oxidative stress to disrupt the antioxidative enzyme mechanism, organ structure and lipid membranes of the cell. Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) is amongst the world's most valuable fruits due to its various pharmacological characteristics and health benefits. The present research was intended to observe the antioxidant efficiency of kiwifruit ethanolic extract on lead toxicity in the hepatic, renal, brain and blood tissues in rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four adult Wister albino rats were classified into 4 groups with 6 rats within each group. The rats in group I functioned as normal control. Animals within group II, III and IV were given three intraperitoneal doses of lead acetate (25 mg kg^–1 b.wt., liquefied in distilled H₂O as a vehicle) on the day 7th, 14th and 21st of the experiment. Group III and IV were the treatment groups and were treated with a daily oral dose of kiwifruit extract (250 and 500 mg kg^–1 b.wt., respectively) for 28 days. Results: The protective impact of kiwifruit was observed in the improvement in antioxidant enzyme activity [Catalase (CAT), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) and Glutathione Reductase (GR)] and decreased level of Lipid Peroxidation (LPO) in the liver, brain and kidney tissues. Additionally, Actinidia deliciosa has a great effect on increasing acetylcholine esterase activity in the brain and also, improved the delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity in the blood. Conclusion: Kiwifruit emerged as an effective factor for the alleviation of lead-induced oxidative damage in cells.

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