Immunotoxic and Genotoxic Effects of Arsenic and Ameliorative Potential of Quercetin and Probiotics in Wistar Rat

Arsenic is a significant environmental public health concern. The aim of the present study is to investigate the possible immunotoxic and genotoxic roles of arsenic and the ameliorative effects of quercetin and probiotics as natural antioxidants. This study was performed on male adult Wistar rats divided into six groups: control, NaAsO 2-treated, quercetin-treated, probiotic–treated, NaAsO 2 and quercetin-treated, and NaAsO 2 and probiotics-treated. Blood samples collected from all animals were prepared for some oxidative, immunological and genetic aspects. Administration of arsenic decreased body and spleen weight, reduced serum antioxidant defense parameters and DNA content, increased liver, kidney, and brain weights, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and serum cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-γ). Adding quercetin to arsenic was effective in restoring the altered values of cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6), MPO, MDA, catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) induced by arsenic, whereas the presence of probiotics was effective in reducing genotoxicity and improving the changes of cytokines (TNF-α and IFN-γ) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Quercetin and probiotics are excellent antioxidant therapies, through their ability to suppress reactive oxygen species ROS production, which may contribute to arsenic toxicity.