Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus on the lead-induced hematotoxicity in adult rats

Lead is one of the most toxic heavy metals for the human health. So researchers are always trying to remove of lead from the environment. Recently it was proved that probiotics by binding to heavy metals remove them from the environment. Hence, in the present study, the protective impact of Lactobacillus rhamnosus on hematological factors in rats infected with the lead with a potential to remove lead from the body is evaluated. 32 female rats (130 ± 20 g) were purchased from Pasteur Institute. The animals are randomly divided into 4 groups. A: control group, B: exposed to lead, C: Lactobacillus rhamnosus treatment, D: exposed to lead and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. After completion of the treatment period (8 weeks), blood parameters and the concentration of zinc protoporphyrine in the blood were measured. Levels of these factors in group D showed no significant change compared to group B. In group B, the number of white blood cells, lymphocytes, platelets and the concentration of zinc protoporphyrine showed a significant increase and the number of red blood cells, hematocrit percentage, hemoglobin concentration and its indices showed a significant decrease relative to the control group while changes of these factors in Group D compared to the control group had a lower level. So probably Lactobacillus rhamnosus was able to bind to lead and by its excretion from intestines, prevented from entry of excess lead into the blood. Therefore, the harmful effects of lead on blood factors have reduced.