Oxidative stress and immunotoxic effects of lead and their amelioration with myrrh (Commiphora molmol) emulsion

The possible role of Commiphora molmol emulsion (CME) in protecting against lead (PbAc)-induced hepatotoxicity, oxidative stress and immunotoxicity in rabbits was assessed. Six groups of animals were used: groups I (control) and II (PbAc) were not supplemented with CME. Groups III (CME50) and IV (CME50 + PbAc) were administered with CME in a dose rate of 50 mg/kg bwt, while groups V (CME100) and VI (CME100 + PbAc) were received 100 mg CME/kg bwt daily p.o for successive 14 weeks. Groups II, IV and VI were given 80 mg PbAc/kg bwt/day orally for 6 weeks starting from the 9th week. At the 12th week, animals were subjected to immunization by a single dose of sheep RBCs. The PbAc-group showed 220% increase in hepatic malondialdehyde levels, while glutathione, glutathione s-transferase and glutathione peroxidase levels decreased. Lead-acetate induced hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia, and increased aminotransferases activity. It reduced the values of lymphocyte transformation test, phagocytic activity, phagocytic index and antibody titer against sheep SRBCs. Interestingly, pretreatment with CME attenuated these adverse effects in a dose-dependent protection. CME, therefore, is a potent antioxidant, and can protect against PbAc-induced hepatic oxidative damage and immunotoxicity by reducing lipid peroxidation and enhancing the antioxidant and immune defense mechanisms.