Effect of Chitosan on the Reproductive System of Female Rats (Rattus Norvegicus) Exposed to Lead Acetate

Abstract

Context: Lead exposure can have a harmful effect on the body, one of which is the reproduction system.
Lead can increase oxidative stress that can cause damage to organ. This research aims to prove the effect
of chitosan in reducing MDA levels and increasing 17? estradiol level and VEGF expression due to lead
exposure. This study was a true experimental in vivostudy using apost-test only group control design. This
study used female wistar strain ratsas the experimental animals that were divided into anegative control
group,a positive control group (dose of lead 175 mg/kg/BW) and treatment groups (dose of chitosan 16, 32,
and 64 mg/kg/BW) for 30 days.Surgery was carried out during the proestrus phase. The MDA level measure
using a microplate reader, 17? Estradiol level using ELISA, and the VEGF expression using IHC.This study
used One Way ANOVA testand LSD test.The dose of chitosan thatwas considered capable of reducing
uterine MDA level was treatment group 2 (dose of 32 mg/Kg/BW).Administration of chitosan at dose 3
(dose of 64 mg/Kg/BW) was able to increase Estradiol 17? levels and VEGF expression optimally. Chitosan
can quantitatively reduce MDA level and increase 17? estradiol. In addition, chitosan administration can
significantly increase VEGF expression.