Ameliorative Potential of Pumpkin Seeds Against Lead-Induced Toxicity in Poultry Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus)

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of pumpkin seed supplementation against lead-induced hepatorenal toxicity in Gallus gallus domesticus. Material and Methods: Young chickens were divided into four groups: control (G0), lead-exposed (G1), pumpkin seed-treated (G2), and combined lead and pumpkin seed-treated (G3). Lead acetate (0.4 mg/kg body weight) and pumpkin seed powder (300 mg/kg body weight) were administered for four weeks. Liver and kidney function tests (ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, urea, creatinine), lipid profiles (LDL, HDL, cholesterol, triglycerides), and antioxidant enzymes (CAT, GPx, GR, SOD) were analyzed. Histopathological evaluations of liver and kidney tissues were conducted. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25, with P < 0.05 considered significant. Results: Lead exposure increased ALT (14.6 ± 0.01 IU/L), AST (2210.7 ± 10.31 IU/L), ALP (1970.4 ± 1.07 IU/L), bilirubin (0.7 ± 0.00 mg/dL), and LDL (56.9 ± 0.91 mg/dL). Pumpkin seed supplementation reduced AST (110.1 ± 8.84 IU/L), ALP (1360.5 ± 1.00 IU/L), and LDL (22.9 ± 1.04 mg/dL), and improved antioxidant enzyme activities. Conclusion: Pumpkin seed supplementation mitigates lead-induced oxidative stress and improves hepatorenal function, presenting a natural strategy to reduce heavy metal toxicity in poultry.