ToxicologyCountering the effects of lead as an environmental toxicant on the microanatomy of female reproductive system of adult wistar rats using aqueous extract of Ficus vogelii
Introduction
The environment consists of various levels of heavy metals some of which are deleterious to human health while others can be nutritionally important. Lead has been described as pervasive environmental pollutant whose mechanism of toxicity is currently under investigation by many researchers and it is wildly dispersed in the environment and remains for a long period of time [1]. Cases of high level of lead exposure have been found in industrial areas and are more prevalent in the developing countries [[2], [3], [4], [5]]. Lead does not play any physiological role in the body and is considered toxic even in minute doses. According to Patrick [6], lead has very wide negative reproductive consequences; it affects almost all aspects of reproduction [7]. From high to low doses of lead exposure, the different responses of lead reported include reduced fertility [[8], [9], [10], [11]], spontaneous abortions, low birth weight, impaired folliculogenesis and even damage to the ovaries [12]. Lefere [13], reported that low level of lead accumulation in the reproductive system (ovaries and uterus) could impede folliculogenesis.
A low lead concentration in the body of female mouse caused ovarian and uterine dysfunctions with fewer primordial follicles and increased atretic antral follicles [14]. At some stage in life, lead was used to induce abortion as stated by Paul [15]. Oral administration of lead acetate even in low doses led to reduction in the number of ovarian follicles revealing a strong correlation between blood lead level and atresia of ovarian follicles of albino Mice [16]. It is reported that the quality of female gametes in vitro are modified by exposure to very low levels of lead acetate [17]. The effects of lead is not only seen in the reproductive system rather it is felt all over the systems of the body such as cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal system, urinary system, nervous system and reproductive system [18]. Exposures to lead usually occur via dermal contact, oral ingestion or inhalation [1]. High level exposure to lead in female (at levels above 15 mgl−1) either occupationally or environmentally is associated with increase risks of spontaneous abortion and still birth [1].
In Africa, especially south of Sahara, the use of plants and their extracts for treatment of diseases have been in existence since ancient times [19]. With factors such as poverty and illiteracy still militating against availability and accessibility of conventional medical services, there is a need to explore some other means of treatment or management of illnesses without causing more problems. Hence, the reason for investigation into the deliberate exposure of female Wistar rats to lead acetates (Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9).
Section snippets
Plant Collection and Preparation of extract
Fresh leave of F. vogelii was collected from Enyibichiri Ndufu-Alike Ikwo in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and authenticated at the Botany Department of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN). The leaves were washed and dried in ventilated room. Thereafter, it was crushed into powder using an electric blender and then passed through mesh sieve to get the fine powders. Five hundred grams (500 g) of the powder was weighed using an electronic weighing balance and soaked in 1200 ml of
Results
The results of the experiment which include the animals, uterine and ovarian weights, SOD activities, phytochemical screening and the histological studies are summarized below.
The effects of lead exposure and Ficus vogelii extract treatments on the variation (gain/loss) of body weight are show in Table 1. During the experiment, the untreated group showed significant increase in weight at P ≤ 0.05 and P ≤ 0.01 in second and third weeks respectively. The lead group recorded weight increase in the
Discussions
Toxicity is a global issue [27] that many researchers have taken interest in more than ever. This is due to the fact that it has been from one lead poisoning to another in some regions of the world such as the case reported by Derek [28]. The positive change in body weight in any research as may be recorded is a very vital indicator of favourable effect of herbal medicine [29,30]. According to OECD [21], European Commission [20] and Ali et al., [30], weight check is also considered as a vital
Conclusion
The present result shows that the leaves are very good as an alternative herbal medicine. With the effect of the extract on the ovary and uterus, toxicity can be reduced using the herb especially that of lead acetate toxicity on the reproductive organs. The result also signifies the extract’s nutritive value and is good for health.
Financial Disclosure
This research did not receive any grant from funding private, public or commercial agencies.
Authors Contribution
Conception: Uchewa OO and Ezugworie JO., Experiment: Uchewa OO., Analysis and interpretations: Uchewa OO and Ezugworie JO., Literature search: Uchewa OO and Ezugworie JO., Write up: Uchewa OO; Final review: Uchewa OO and Ezugworie JO.
Conflict of Interest
The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.
Acknowledgement
Our appreciation goes to Mr. Nwajagu GI, Dr. GG Akunna and Dr. Ogugua Egwu an Associate Professor of Anatomy for their advice and assistance during the study period.
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