Epicatechin attenuates lead(Pb)-induced cognitive impairment in mice: Regulation on Nrf2 signaling pathway, and interference on the interaction between Pb with albumin

Epicatechin (EC) was used in this study to antagonize the cognitive dysfunction caused by lead (Pb) exposure mice. Eight-week-old male Kunming mice were treated with PbCl2 (20 mg/kg) and/or EC (50 gavage administration for 4 weeks. Morris water maze test showed that could improve memory induced Pb. antagonized Ca2+ overload, activated Nrf2 signaling pathway and reduced accumulation of Pb brain serum, which suggested might alter distribution In vitro, spectroscopic analysis, potentiometric titration docking studies applied inquiry into interaction between bovine serum albumin (BSA) Pb2+ presence or absence EC. proved chelate BSA Pb2+. In summary, protect Pb-induced impairment activating pathway, suppressing via interference on binding albumin.