Sub-chronic administration of flavonoid fraction Daflon improve lead-induced alterations in delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity, erythrocytic parameters, and erythrocyte osmotic fragility in Wistar rats

This study investigated the ameliorative potential of micronized purified flavonoid fraction Daflon on lead-induced alterations in heme-biosynthetic enzyme delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD) activity and erythrocytic parameters. Thirty-two male adult Wistar rats were divided by simple randomization into four groups of eight rats each. Lead acetate was administered orally at a dose of 190 mg/kg (1/20th of the LD₅₀) body weight for 42 days, either alone or with Daflon at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight. Blood lead level (BLL) was analyzed using the microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometer (MP-AES), while δ-ALAD activity was quantified using assay kit. Erythrocyte parameters (RBC, packed cell volume, Hb, MCV, and MCHC) were assayed using an automated hematologic analyzer. Erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF) was also analyzed using standard procedure. Sub-chronic exposure to lead acetate caused impairment in δ-ALAD activity, erythrocytic parameters, and increased EOF. Conversely, Daflon improved the activity of δ-ALAD and erythrocytic parameters by protecting the integrity of the erythrocyte membrane. The results of our study revealed that sub-chronic exposure of rats to lead acetate induced impairment in δ-ALAD, erythrocytic parameters, and EOF, while pretreatment with Daflon alleviated the ensued changes, and therefore suggested that dietary supplementation with Daflon-enriched foods may be a promising prophylactic agent for individuals living in lead toxicity prone environments.