ABSTRACT
Plumbum (Pb) is a heavy metal that can trigger the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), increasing the generation of free radicals and lipid peroxidation, and lowering antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Tender coconut water contains antioxidants, L-arginine, and other compounds that can reduce the effect of Pb exposure. The purpose of this research was to examine the effect of tender coconut water on prevention of lipid peroxidation and increasing antioxidant enzymes in lead-induced rats. This experimental study used a posttest-only control group design, with 18 white male Wistar strain rats randomly divided into three groups: K1 (standard feed only), K2 (standard feed + Pb), and K3 (standard feed + Pb + tender coconut water). The induction of Pb was performed by inhalation at a dose of 10 mg/day/rat, while tender coconut water (8 mL/200 gr BW rats/day) was given orally for 4 weeks. Rats’ blood from the ophtalmicus venous was analyzed using ELISA to measure malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and GPx. Data were analyzed using ANOVA tests. Results showed that the average rate of MDA in Group 2 was increased compared to Group 1, but in Group 3, it decreased compared to Group 2. The GPx average in Group 2 decreased compared to Group 1, but in Group 3, it increased compared to Group 2. The statistical analysis obtained p-values of < 0.05. Tender coconut water administration was proven to be able to prevent lipid peroxidation and to increase the antioxidant enzymes characterized by increased GPx levels in lead-induced rats.
