Potential of casein as a nutrient intervention to alleviate lead (Pb) acetate-mediated oxidative stress and neurotoxicity: First evidence in Drosophila melanogaster.

•Exposure of young/adult flies to Pb resulted in a concentration-dependent lethality.•Young male flies were relatively more susceptible than adults.•Pb caused robust oxidative stress elevated AChE activity and dopamine levels.•CSN markedly offset Pb-induced lethality and diminished the hyperactivity response.•CSN improved the activity levels of complex I–III and restored the dopamine levels.