Comparative Effects of Chelating Agents with and without Antioxidants on Liver Parameters in Lead-exposed Rats

Introduction: Lead exposure raises serious health issues, and its effects on the human body are devastating, especially on liver function because of its roles in metabolism and detoxification. This work investigates liver biomarkers in lead-exposed rats, and the relative effects of chelating agents with and without antioxidants. Materials and Methods: Adult Wistar rats were randomized into four experimental groups: a control, a lead-exposed cohort, a chelation therapy group, and a combined chelation-plus-antioxidant group. Following treatment, biochemical analyses of liver parameters were conducted. To evaluate liver function, biochemical markers – alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total protein and total bilirubin. Results: Lead exposure clearly raised liver enzymes, suggesting hepatic damage. Chelating drugs helped to lower lead load but only somewhat improved liver capacity. However, chelators and antioxidants together produce a noticeable effect on liver parameters. Conclusions: The results of the study showcase that antioxidant supplementation might provide synergistic support to chelation therapy for the management of Pb-induced liver damage