Comprehensive multisystem adverse effects of chronic lead exposure initiated during the prepubertal period in a female mouse model

Background Lead is a potent neurotoxin affecting nervous system, kidneys, and hematopoietic system in both humans and animals. However, its multisystem effects following chronic exposure initiated during prepubertal period in female mice remain poorly characterized. Therefore, this study evaluated final body weight and organ weights, hematological parameters, reproductive hormone levels, hepatorenal function, and histopathological changes in female mice exposed to chronic lead acetate during the prepubertal-onset. Methods Forty 20-day-old Swiss albino mice were randomly allocated into four groups (n=10): control (T0) and three treatment groups (T1-T3) receiving 1 mg/L, 5 mg/L, and 10 mg/L lead acetate, respectively in drinking water for 90 days. Final body and organ weights, hematological indicators, serum reproductive hormones, hepatorenal biochemistry, and histopathology of the liver, kidney, and ovary were compared across groups by one-way ANOVA with Duncan’s Multiple Range test. Results Lead exposure was associated with reduction in final body weight (up to 26% lower than control) and in liver, kidney, and ovarian weights (p<0.005). Erythrocyte count, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, and mean corpuscular volume decreased, while total leukocyte count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin increased. FSH, LH, and estradiol decreased, while progesterone increased (p<0.05). Hepatorenal markers (creatinine, creatine kinase, AST, ALT) were elevated in the lead-exposed groups (p<0.005), accompanied by hemorrhagic and degenerative lesions in the ovary, liver, and kidney. Correlation analysis revealed associations among the hematological, hormonal, and biochemical parameters, indicating systemic effects of lead exposure. Conclusion Chronic lead exposure was associated with alterations in final body weight, reproductive hormones, hematological parameters, hepatorenal function, and hepatic, renal and ovarian histopathology in female mice exposed from the prepubertal period. These findings indicate multisystem toxicity and potential vulnerability of the developing female reproductive system to lead exposure.