Effect of Berberine on the Status of Antioxidants in the Heart of Lead-Exposed Rats

Lead is a heavy metal that is widely occurring in the human environment. Even exposure to small amounts of lead enhances cardiovascular disorders and mortality. The production of reactive oxygen species and debilitation of endogenous antioxidants play a major role in the lead-induced damage. Some pharmacological agents may be efficient in reducing lead damage by their antioxidant properties. Berberine (BBR) is an alkaloid isoquinoline that has been shown in many studies to preserve against oxidative damages. Fifty male Wistar rats were distributed into five groups, including a sham group, two groups poisoned with 100 and 500 ppm lead, and two lead poisoned groups treated with 50 mg/kg berberine. This study was conducted for sixty days and during this period of time berberine was prescribed daily to animals. After two months, blood samples were taken from the heart of animals to measure the blood lead content. Tissue serum samples were prepared from the hearts of test animals to assess the activity of antioxidant enzymes and malondialdehyde levels. The collagen density of the heart tissue was also examined to assess cardiac fibrosis. Based on the results, the blood lead levels in all groups of lead-poisoned rats showed significant increase compared to the sham group. Berberine decreased lipid peroxidation and increased antioxidant activity in the heart of lead-poisoned rats. Histological examination showed that berberine reduced collagen density in the heart of lead-poisoned rats. Therefore, it is concluded that berberine, possibly due to its antioxidant properties, can decrease oxidative damage in the heart of lead-poisoned rats.