Chlorella vulgaris protects against lead‐induced hepatic toxicity in rats

This study was accomplished to investigate the effect of Chlorella vulgaris against lead‐induced oxidative stress especially associated with the liver fibrosis. Six weeks old Sprague‐Dawley male rats (n=10/group) were randomly divided into control group (Control; treated with drinking water) and lead‐chlorella groups (Pb+C0, Pb+C2, Pb+C5 and Pb+C10; treated with drinking water containing 200 ppm lead acetate + different concentrations of chlorella 0, 2, 5 and 10% by diet for 4 weeks). Superoxide dismutase activity was decreased in Pb+C0 compared to Control but increased in Pb+C2, Pb+C5 and Pb+C10 (128.9, 165.8 and 167.4% respectively) compared to Pb+C0 (P<0.05). And also glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activity were increased in lead‐chlorella groups compared to Pb+C0 (P<0.05). The glutathione contents were decreased in Pb+C0 compared with other groups (P<0.05). But contents of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were increased in Pb+C0 (P<0.05). The protein expression of transforming growth factor β1 and matrix metalloproteinase‐2 was significantly increased in Pb+C0 compared to Control but decreased in lead‐chlorella groups. These results indicate that chlorella may have protective effect against lead‐induced hepatic toxicity in rats. [This study was supported by Daesang Co. Ltd. WelLife Health Business.]