Sunusi et al. J Biomed & App Sci FUD (2025) 4:1
Keywords: Neurotoxicity, hippocampus, lead, protective and curative, vitamin C
2025-10-01 DOI: Sunusi et al. JOBASFUD_2024_3_2_032
Background: Neurological disorders often arise from an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is renowned for its antioxidant and reducing properties, yet its protective versus curative effects remain underexplored. This study compared the protective and curative effects of vitamin C on lead-induced neurotoxicity in the hippocampus of adult Wistar rats. Methods Twenty-five male Wistar rats were divided into five groups. Group I served as the control, while Group II was given lead (233 mg). Group III received vitamin C (200 mg), Group IV was administered lead and vitamin C concurrently, and Group V was first exposed to lead for two weeks, followed by vitamin C treatment for another two weeks. Neurobehavioral performance was assessed using the Y-Maze, and biochemical and histological analyses were conducted post-administration. Results: Neurobehavioral results showed no significant differences between the control and treated groups (p = 0.78). However, biochemical assays revealed increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and reduced superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and catalase activities in the lead-treated group. These effects were mitigated in both the curative and protective vitamin C groups, with the protective group showing stronger amelioration. Histological examination of the hippocampus demonstrated reduced pyramidal cells, distorted layers, and increased pyknotic cells in the group II. These changes were more effectively reversed in the protective group than in the curative group. Conclusion: Vitamin C exhibits stronger protective effects than curative effects against lead-induced neurotoxicity in the hippocampus, highlighting its potential for preventive applications in oxidative stress-related conditions.