Effect of dimercaptosuccinic acid against lead-induced clastogenicity and enzyme activity in mice in-vivo

Indiscriminate exposure of humans to heavy metal contamination via occupation and enviro nmental pollution has been reported with its attendant health burdens including genetic mutation and cancer. This study examined effect of dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) a metal chelator against lead-induced mutagenicity in mice and resultant effect on proper formation of erythrocyte cells. Lead acetate (2.5 mg/kg b.wt) and DMSA (25 mg/kg b.wt) were fed to the mice via oral gavage for 14 consecutive days. Clastogenic effects were observed in the bone marrow cells using micronucleus assay while activity of gamma glutamyl transferase (ý-GT) in both serum and liver was evaluated and the hematologic state of the mice was also monitored. The results obtained indicate that group B animals fed with lead acetate only, significantly (P<0.05) induced the formation of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (mPCEs) in bone marrow of mice compared with control. However, in group C animals fed simultaneously with lead acetate and DMSA, the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes was significantly (P<0.05) reduced while there was marked reduction in levels of hematologic parameters in group D animals. Results from enzyme assay showed that treatment with DMSA resulted in decrease activities for both liver and serum gamma glutamyl transferase with highest mean values of 5.02 U/L and 4.38 U/L respectively. This study underscores the cytotoxicity of lead acetate and ameliorative effect of DMSA with great respite from organic alternative therapy.