EVALUATION OF N-ACETYL CYCTEIN EFFECTS IN INHIBITION OF INFLAMATION AND TISSUE DAMAGE ON THE LUNGS OF RATS EXPOSED TO ACUTE AND CHRONIC DOSES OF LEAD

Lead (Pb) is a toxic heavy metal which causes adverse health effects on humans and animals. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), as an antioxidant agent, decreases tissue damages and inflammations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of N-acetylcysteine on the expression of IL-10 and TGF-β genes in the lung of rats exposed to Pb.

In this interventional quasi-experimental study, the rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, including 1) control, 2) acute dose of Pb, 3) acute dose of Pb + continuous administration of NAC, 4) chronic dose of Pb, and 5) chronic dose of Pb + continuous administration of NAC. Acute dose of Pb (70 mg/kg) was administrated on the first day of the study. Chronic dose of Pb (2 mg/kg) and Continuous administration of N-acetylcysteine (50 mg/kg) was used every day for 4 weeks. Both N-acetylcysteine and Pb were dissolved in sterile water and administrated to rats orally by gavage. Histopathological analysis was performed by tissues staining with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E). qRT-PCR method and one-Way ANOVA statistical tests with a significant level of P<0.05 were used to evaluate the expression of IL-10 and TGF-β genes.

Pb induced inflammation in acute and chronic doses. qRT-PCR analysis showed a significant decrease in IL-10 and a significant increase in TGF-β expressions. However, administration of NAC with Pb led to a decrease in inflammation by upregulation of IL-10 and downregulation of TGF-β genes in the lungs of rats.

Our results suggest that N-acetylcysteine can protect the lungs against Pb toxicity by reducing inflammation.