Protective Effects of Vitamin C on Hematological and Biochemical Parameters of Intoxicated Male Albino Rats with Lead and Cadmium

Lead and cadmium are reported as heavy metals that induce blood disorders and immunological effects. This study was performed to determine the hematological toxicity and biochemical alterations in male albino rats as affected by the oral administration of a single dose equivalent to 1/20 from LD50 of lead acetate and cadmium chloride individually for 30 days, and evaluated the protective antioxidative role of vitamin C. The current results showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the relative liver and kidneys weights of treated rats with lead acetate and cadmium chloride compared with control group. Result also revealed that a significant increase (P < 0.05) in white blood cells count (W.B.Cs) and Platelet count (PLT) in lead acetate and cadmium chloride treated groups as compared to control group. While, the mean red blood cell (R.B.Cs) count and hemoglobin concentration (Hb) reduced significantly (P < 0.05) in PbAc and CdCl2 treated animals compared with control group. As well as, there were no significant differences in mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) in all treated groups compared to control animals. Biochemical analysis results illustrated that there was an exceptional rise at the end of experiment in liver function parameters including serum aminotransferase (AST and ALT) and alkaline phosphates (ALP) activity. While, serum total protein and albumin significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in lead acetate and cadmium chloride treated animals compared with control group. In addition, kidney function parameters showed that a significant increase (P < 0.05) in urea and creatinine levels in treated animals by lead and cadmium compared to the control untreated animals group. However, Pre-administration with vitamin C concurrently with lead and cadmium metals prevented adverse effect of tested heavy metals on hematological and biochemical parameters compared to vitamin C treated rats group and control untreated rats group.