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Protective role of methylcobalamin (Vit B12) and pyridoxine (Vit B6) combination against teratogenic effects induced by lead in chick embryo

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Environmental contamination through heavy metals poses significant health risks and cause detrimental effects on embryonic development of humans and animals. This study investigates the teratogenic effects induced by lead – one of poisonous heavy metals, and rescuing potential of combined dose of vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 in golden black breed of domestic chicken embryos. Experiments were carried out on 200 fertilized eggs. Eggs were weighed and distributed into four groups (50 eggs each). 1 . Control group 0.1 mL of patent drinking water 2 . Vit-B6 +Vit-B12 combination group 0.05 mL of 0.1 mg/kg vitamin B6 solution+ 0.05 mL of 0.1 mg/kg vitamin B12 solution in patent drinking water. 3. Lead acetate group 0.1 mL of 5 mg/kg lead acetate solution in patent drinking water. 4. Lead acetate and Vit-B6 + Vit-B12 combination group 0.1 mL of solution containing 5 mg/kg lead acetate, 0.1 mg/kg vitamin B6 and 0.1 mg/kg vitamin B12 solution in patent drinking water. Recovery of embryos was performed on 14 th day of incubation and embryos were preserved for further studies. Significant teratogenic effects were observed in lead treated group compared to control group. Microcephaly, exopthalomus eye, abnormal beak development, skewed spine, reduced neck length and torticollis were observed in lead treated group. Appendicular abnormalities include forelimb and hind limb amelia, meromelia in hind limbs. In some chick embryos agenesis and irregular development of claws was noted. Mortality rate was higher in lead group compared to control group. This study highlights vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 ameliorative effects against lead induced developmental abnormalities in chick embryo.

Source: Toxicology Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2026.102280