Attenuation of Cadmium-, Nickel-, and Lead-Induced Oxidative Stress by Green Tea Extract in a Murine In Vivo Model

Introduction: Heavy metal toxicity is a significant environmental and public health concern, with continual exposure to cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) occurring through contaminated air, water, soil, and food. These metals are known to induce oxidative stress, leading to increased lipid peroxidation in biological tissues.

Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the protective antioxidant effects of green tea extract (GTE) against lipid peroxidation induced by Cd, Ni, and Pb in mice. Outbred white laboratory mice were administered intraperitoneal injections of CdCl₂, NiCl₂, and Pb(CH₃COO)₂, with or without GTE, over a 14-day period. Lipid peroxidation levels were assessed in red blood cells, liver, and brain tissues by measuring thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), expressed as malondialdehyde (MDA) equivalents.

Results: Exposure to all metals significantly increased lipid peroxidation levels in all examined tissues, confirming their pro-oxidant effects. Co-administration of GTE significantly reduced lipid peroxidation levels in both liver and blood, with complete normalization of oxidative status observed in brain tissue.

Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that green tea extract exerts significant protective effects against heavy metal-induced oxidative damage. This study underscores the potential of green tea as a natural antioxidant agent in mitigating heavy metal toxicity, highlighting its relevance in toxicological risk assessment and prevention strategies.