EFFECT OF CHITOSAN ON THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM OF FEMALE RATS (RATTUS NORVEGICUS) EXPOSED TO LEAD ACETATE

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 17β 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, 17β 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 17β levels and VEGF expression optimally. Chitosan can quantitatively reduce MDA
level and increase 17β estradiol. In addition, chitosan administration can significantly increase
VEGF expression. Keywords: Reproduction, Lead, chitosan, Malondialdehyde, 17β Estradiol,
VEG