<![CDATA[Background: Lead (Pb), a toxic heavy metal that does not break down in the environment, seriously endangers human health. Oral exposure to lead has a significant impact on the lungs, disrupting physiological functions and causing several respiratory disorders, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced following lead exposure, reducing endogenous antioxidants, particularly superoxide dismutase (SOD). Administration of exogenous antioxidants to enhance SOD activity is therefore a crucial preventive strategy. This study aimed to examine the effect of tamarillo (Solanum betaceum) ethanol extract on SOD expression in the lungs of mice (Mus musculus) after lead acetate exposure. Materials and Methods: This true experimental laboratory study used twenty-five mouse lung tissue samples that had been kept and prepared. Each treatment group comprised five samples: K0 (negative control, given only distillated water), K1 (positive control, given lead acetate at a dose of 0.075 g/kg BW), P1 (lead acetate + tamarillo extract at concentration of 100 mg/kg BW), P2 (lead acetate + tamarillo extract 200 mg/kg BW), and P3 (lead acetate + tamarillo extract 400 mg/kg BW). The duration of the treatments was 35 days. Results: After administering 0.075 g/kg BW of lead acetate, the study found a substantial increase in SOD expression (p < 0.05). In addition, compared to the positive control group, the administration of 100 mg/kg BW of tamarillo ethanol extract resulted in a significant increase in SOD expression (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results indicated that tamarillo ethanol extract, compared to the positive control group, significantly elevated SOD expression at a dose of 100 mg/kg BW (p < 0.05). Furthermore, after exposure to lead acetate, the findings have demonstrated that the ethanol extract of tamarillo, particularly at a level of 100 mg/kg BW, efficiently increases SOD expression in mouse lungs.]]>
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