Early Cardiac Damage Following Single and Combined Exposure to Lithium Carbonate and Lead Acetate in Rats: A Toxicological Perspective

This study examined the cardiotoxic effects of lithium carbonate and lead acetate, individually and combined, on 48 adult male rats over 28 days. All treatment groups showed clinical signs of toxicity, including hair loss and ECG abnormalities, indicating cardiac dysrhythmia. The combined exposure group (Li + Pb) exhibited increased oxidative stress markers (elevated MDA and NO, decreased TAC) and molecular changes suggesting increased apoptosis and reduced cell survival. Although no significant changes in heart weights or antioxidant enzyme levels were observed, the findings highlight the synergistic cardiotoxic effects of Li and Pb co-exposure, emphasizing the need for public health attention to such environmental risks.