Studying the Effect of Gamma-Irradiated Pomegranate Peels Aqueous Extract against Lead Toxicity in Wistar Rats

The present study, carried out to evaluate the effect of gamma (gamma) irradiation on total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of pomegranate peel powder as well as to evaluate the effect of gamma-irradiated pomegranate peels extract (GPE) against biochemical alterations of lead induced testicular and hepato-toxicity in rats. From the results, it was obtained that gamma irradiation induced significant increase in the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of pomegranate peels powder. Concurrent treatments of lead-injected rats with GPE induced significant reduction in serum activities of liver enzymes, level of hepatic and testicular lipid peroxidation and plasma levels of caspase 3 associated with significant increase in the levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone and testosterone in addition to marked improvement in the level of total antioxidant capacity and glutathione content and the activity of superoxide dismutase activity and catalase activity of the liver and testes of lead-intoxicated rats. In conclusion GPE could ameliorate the damage and apoptotic effects occurred by exposure to toxic dose of lead.