Work

Evaluation of the toxic potential of lead nitrate on transgenic Drosophila melanogaster (hsp-70 lac Z) Bg9

Year: 2026

Type: preprint

Abstract: Lead is a well-known environmental toxicant that induces cellular damage through oxidative stress and apoptosis. The present study evaluates the toxic effects of lead nitrate at four different concentrations i.e., 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, and 0.40 M on transgenic Drosophila melanogaster (hsp-70 lacZ) Bg 9 . The results revealed a dose-dependent increase in oxidative stress markers indicated by elevated levels of reactive oxygen species along with a decline in antioxidant defense systems. Furthermore, apoptotic markers (caspase-3 and 9) showed a significant increase in the activity suggesting the activation of programmed cell death pathways. This study highlights the utility of Drosophila as an alternative model to higher animals for investigating the mechanisms associated with heavy metal toxicity.

Source: Research Square

DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-10861280/v1

Authors: Iqra Subhan, Yasir Hasan Siddique

Institution: Aligarh Muslim University

Language: English

Topic: Heavy Metal Exposure and Toxicity

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: University Grants Commission, Aligarh Muslim University