PREVENTIVE EFFECT OF ETHYL ALCOHOL EXTRACT OF Morus alba LEAVES ON THE MANGANESE NEUROTOXICITY VIA INHALATION EXPOSURE IN RATS

Background and Aims: Manganese (Mn), an essential trace element, is required for normal physiology functioning in human. However, chronic exposure to this metal, especially in workplaces such as mines, results in neurotoxicity, called Manganism. Several studies have indicated that oxidative stress plays a major role in the process of Mn- induced toxicity. Some studies revealed that different parts of mulberry (Morus albal) contain antioxidant ingredients. This study was carried out to assess the protective effect of ethyl alcohol extract of Morus alba leaves (EAEM) against Manganism.

Materials and Methods: Forty eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into eight equal groups. Rats in groups 1 to 4 and 5 to 8 received 0, 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg bw of EAEM, respectively. Groups; 5 to 8 were exposed via inhalation exposure with 2 mg/m3 MnO2 for 6 h/day, 5 days/week for consecutive 13 weeks. Rats were weighed every week at the same time with the same scale for 13 weeks and anesthetized and euthanized according to ethical protocols afterwards. SPSS software (Version 11) was used to analyze the collected data about the level of Mn in blood and brain, Iron in blood, prolactin in serum and glutathione (GSH) in brain.

Results: Groups received Mn and 3 concentrations of EAEM showed statistically significant differences in the mean Mn in blood and brain, GSH of brain and prolactin in serum. No significant statistical difference was observed between irons in blood in all groups. Prolactine levels in serum significantly increased in groups Mn-D, Mn-150, Mn-300 and Mn-600. EAEM decreased body weight of rats.

Conclusions: The results of this study revealed that, although there was no dose response relationship, EAEM decreased Mn in blood and brain and increased GSH in brain in rats exposed to MnO2.Hence, EAEM can be used as a preventive measure for manganese neurotoxicity.