Protective effect of modified natural clinoptilolite against lead-induced genotoxicity in laboratory mice
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Date
2026-05-08
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Plovdiv University "Paisii Hilendarski"
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is a potent toxic and genotoxic metal that accumulates in mammalian tissues, induces oxidative stress, and disrupts genomic integrity. Creating effective strategies to reduce
Pb bioavailability and lessen its harmful effects remains a key priority in toxicology. This study examined the impact of 15, 30, and 45 days of sub-chronic Pb exposure on tissue accumulation, fecal elimination, and genotoxicity in ICR (CD-1) mice, as well as the potential protective role of a specifically activated, Na-modified natural clinoptilolite from the “Beli Plast” deposit (Eastern Rhodopes, Bulgaria). Three experimental groups were established: a control group, a Pbexposed group (PbW) receiving 0.00125 M Pb(NO₃)₂, and a Pb-exposed+clinoptilolite (PbW+Z) group fed a diet containing 12.5 wt.% clinoptilolite. ICP-MS was used to measure Pb levels in liver, kidney, and feces, and genotoxic effects were assessed using an in vivo micronucleus assay in peripheral erythrocytes. Pb exposure also induced a time-dependent increase in micronucleus frequency, reflecting cumulative genotoxic damage. Micronucleus frequency was markedly elevated in Pb-exposed mice but significantly reduced at all time points when clinoptilolite was present, suggesting protection against Pb-induced genomic instability. Overall, zeolite effectively reduced the total burden of Pb in organisms, increased fecal elimination, and reduced Pb-induced genotoxicity. These findings emphasize zeolite as a promising low-cost protective sorbent for reducing heavy metal toxicity and preventing long-term biological damage for organisms chronically exposed to lead.
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Keywords
clinoptilolite, lead, mice, genotoxicity, micronuclei in erythrocytes