Polydatin attenuates lead-induced hematotoxicity and neuroinflammation: insights from hematological, cytokine, and histopathological analyses in Wistar rats.

INTRODUCTION: Lead (Pb) remains a pervasive environmental contaminant with well-documented toxic effects on multiple organ systems, including the nervous and hematopoietic systems. Polydatin (PD; piceid), a natural stilbene glycoside found in Polygonum cuspidatum and other edible plants, exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. AIM: This study investigated the protective effects of polydatin against lead-induced hematological disturbances, neuroinflammation, and hippocampal structural alterations in Wistar rats. METHODS: Experimental lead exposure was established in rats, followed by oral administration of polydatin at graded doses or a reference chelator. Hematological indices, pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α), and hippocampal histopathological and immunohistochemical markers were evaluated in blood and brain tissues. RESULTS: Polydatin treatment significantly improved altered hematological parameters and markedly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in both serum and brain tissues of lead-exposed rats. Histological examination revealed attenuation of lead-induced neuronal damage, while immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated reduced glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression and enhanced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) immunoreactivity, indicating mitigation of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative changes. CONCLUSION: Polydatin effectively alleviates lead-induced hematological dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and hippocampal damage, primarily through its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.