Introduction: Lead is an industrial pollutant and has hazardous effects on the brain. Lead induces oxidative stress, inhibition of antioxidant activity, and damage to neurons. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are important cells that have ability to renew and convert into other cell types. MSCs release antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents. Flax seeds oil (FSO) is a vital source of essential nutrients for the brain. Also, FSO is used as a natural antioxidant and a source of omega3.
Aim of the Work: The present study was conducted to evaluate the ameliorative role of stem cells and flax seeds oil on the brains of lead-intoxicated rats and restitution of damaged brain tissues.
Material and Methods: The current experiment used 40 male Albino rats that weight about 250–280 g, and were equally divided into four groups (10 rats/group) as follows: Group 1, rats were used as normal. Group 2, rats intoxicated with lead acetate (100 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Group3, rats treated with mesenchymal stem cells (1 × 106 cells/rat intravenously injection). Group 4, rats administrated orally with flax seeds oil (1 ml/kg). At the end of the experiment, we collected blood and brain tissues for biochemical examinations and histopathology.
Results: Elevation of blood lead levels, reduction in neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and antioxidant activities (CAT and SOD) in brain tissue also an increase in MDA, cognitive defects, necrosis, congestion in the blood vessels, vaculation in brain tissue of the lead intoxication group, but treatment of stem cells showed marked improvement compared to flax seeds oil which revealed moderate improvement in brain tissue in all parameters.
Conclusion: The experiment revealed effectiveness of MSCs and FSO against the toxic effect of lead on brain tissue and ability of MSCs and FSO to repair damaged brain tissue. MSCs treatment was more effective than FSO treatment.