L-ascorbic acid mitigates lead acetate-induced oxidative stress, haematological parameters and Pathomorphological changes in the thoracic aorta of male Wistar rats

Abstract

Lead is a pervasive environmental toxicant known to induce cardiovascular dysfunction, oxidative stress, and hematological disturbances. The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of L-ascorbic acid against lead acetate-induced cardiovascular toxicity in male Wistar rats. Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, lead acetate treated (500 mg/kg bw), L-ascorbic acid treated (1000 mg/kg bw), and combined lead acetate + L-ascorbic acid treated group. Treatments were administered orally for 28 consecutive days. Parameters evaluated included feed and water intake, body weight changes, hematological indices, cardiac oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH), and histopathological alterations. Lead acetate exposure resulted in significant reduction (p