Assessment of Genotoxicity and Inflammation in the Brain Hippocampus of Lead-Induced Mice Treated With Diospyros Mespiliformis

Abstract

Hippocampus is crucial for memory and cognition, is highly vulnerable to oxidative stress and inflammatory insults from neurotoxicants such as lead (Pb). This study assessed genotoxicity and inflammatory markers in the brain hippocampus of lead – induced mice treated with aqueous extract of Diospyros mespiliformis. Twenty-five mice were divided into five groups and administered the following: Group A (Control, water) Group B (Pb, 50 mg/kg b.wt.), Group C (Pb + D. mespiliformis extract, 200 mg/kg b.wt), Group D ( Pb + D. mespiliformis extract, 400 mg/kg b.wt), and Group E (Pb + vitamin E , 100 mg/kg b.wt). After 28 days of exposure and treatments, hippocampal tissues from mice brain were assayed for oxidative stress markers (reduced glutathione, protein thiol), genotoxic marker (DNA fragmentation), inflammation markers (tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin -6 (IL-1β), nitric oxide (NO), myeloperoxidase (MPO), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and total protein (TP). Results showed that Pb exposure caused significant increases in TNF-α and DNA fragmentation, alongside a decline in IL-1β and AChE activity, confirming neuroinflammation and genotoxicity. Treatment with D. mespiliformis (200 mg/kg) restored GSH and protein levels, reduced MPO activity, and lowered DNA fragmentation. The 400 mg/kg b.wt of plant’s extract, however, elevated TNF-α and NO levels, suggesting a paradoxical pro-oxidant effect. Vitamin E attenuated DNA fragmentation and MPO activity, resembling the protective effects of the plant extract. These findings suggest that D. mespiliformis confers dose-dependent neuroprotection against Pb-induced hippocampal toxicity, with the 200 mg/kg dose being the most effective.