Evaluation of Neurobehavioral and Neuroinflammatory Alterations in Lead-Exposed Mice: Protective Effects of Artocarpus Heterophyllus Extracts and Rutin
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Abstract
Background: Lead (Pb) exposure has been associated with severe neurotoxic effects, including cognitive deficits, anxiety-like behaviors, and motor dysfunctions. These effects are mediated through oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Natural phytochemicals, such as Artocarpus heterophyllus (AH) extracts, have shown potential neuroprotective effects due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Objective: This study evaluates the neurobehavioral and neuroinflammatory effects of lead exposure in mice and investigates the potential neuroprotective role of different Artocarpus heterophyllus extracts (seed, fruit, leaf, bark) and rutin.
Methods: Mice were divided into seven groups: control, lead-exposed, lead + AH seed extract, lead + AH fruit extract, lead + AH leaf extract, lead + AH bark extract, and lead + rutin. Neurobehavioral assessments included the navigation maze test, beam walking test, elevated plus maze test, hot plate test, and nest-building test. Neuroinflammatory markers, including IL-1β, TNF-α, and NO, were quantified.
Results: Lead exposure significantly impaired cognitive and motor functions, increased anxiety-like behaviors, and reduced pain sensitivity. Neuroinflammatory markers were significantly elevated in the lead-exposed group. Treatment with Artocarpus heterophyllus extracts and rutin mitigated behavioral deficits and significantly reduced IL-1β, TNF-α, and NO levels, with the leaf and seed extracts exhibiting the most potent effects.
Conclusion: This study highlights the neurotoxic effects of lead and the potential neuroprotective benefits of Artocarpus heterophyllus extracts. These findings suggest that AH-derived phytochemicals may serve as alternative therapeutic strategies for neurotoxicity and neuroinflammation.
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