Pharmacological and biochemical insights into lead-induced hepatotoxicity: Pathway interplay and the protective effects of arbutin via the oral and intraperitoneal routes in silico and in vivo.

Introduction: Lead acetate (PbAc), a hazardous heavy metal, poses significant threats to human health and the environment because of widespread industrial exposure. PbAc exposure leads to liver injury primarily through oxidative stress and the disruption of key regulatory pathways. Understanding these mechanisms and exploring protective agents are vital for mitigating PbAc-induced hepatotoxicity.