Honey Inhibits the Production of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines and associated Neurobehavioral Impairment in Lead-exposed Male Wistar Rats

The widespread neurotoxic impact of lead (Pb) continues to pose a threat to global health, primarily due to its ability to disrupt oxidative balance and induce neuroinflammatory effects. In response, the need for natural therapeutic agents is pressing. Honey is a well-known natural product with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study investigated the neuroprotective effect of honey against lead-induced neurotoxicity in male Wistar rats. Male rats were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 7): the control, the Pb-treated, and the Pb + honey groups. Behavioral assessments were conducted using the Open Field Test (OFT), Elevated Plus Maze (EPM), and three-chamber sociability test to examine the anxiety and social behavior. Biochemical and hematological analyses were performed to determine the levels of interleukin-1? (IL-1?) and tumor necrosis factor-? (TNF-?), as well as total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and hematological indices. The results revealed a significant increase in anxiety and a decrease in social behavior in the Pb-only group. Biochemically, there was a marked elevation in IL-1? and TNF-?, with a significant reduction in TAC in these rats. Rats co-treated with Pb and honey demonstrated reduced anxiety and improved social behavior, decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, restored antioxidant capacity, enhanced lymphocyte levels, and increased Neutrophil to Lymphocytes Ratio (NLR). These findings suggest honey has a neuroprotective effect against lead-induced neurotoxicity, via restoration of oxidative balance and suppression of inflammation.

Key Words: lead, neurotoxicity, inflammation, honey, neuroprotective