Calcium and zinc supplementation protects lead (Pb)-induced perturbations in antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation in developing mouse brain.

Several studies have implicated oxidative stress as one of the important mechanisms of toxic effects of lead (Pb). In the present study we tested the beneficial effects of calcium (Ca2+) and zinc (Zn2+) in protecting the Pb-induced oxidative stress in the brains of developing and adult mice. Mice were lactationally exposed to 0.2% Pb and supplemented with either calcium (Ca2+) or zinc (Zn2+) and the mitochondrial antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), xanthine oxidase (XO) and catalase (CAT)] and lipid peroxidation (LP) were analyzed in cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum and medulla of brains excised on postnatal day (PND) 14, 21, 28 and 3 months. The levels of free radicals were measured using direct Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Exposure to Pb resulted a significant decrease in the activities of SOD, XO and CAT while the LP levels were significantly increased in different brain regions. Evaluation of EPR signals and g-values showed abundant accumulation of free radicals in different regions of the brain following Pb exposure. Interestingly the supplementation with Ca2+ or Zn2+ reversed the Pb-induced effects on antioxidant enzymes, LP and free radical formation; however Zn2+ supplementation appeared to be more protective. These findings strongly support that zinc and calcium supplementation significantly protect the Pb-induced oxidative stress, a major contributing factor to neurotoxicity.