Onion (Allium cepa) extract prevents cadmium induced renal dysfunction

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Nephrology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal with known adverse health effects.
• Renal clearance (RC) is a crucial indicator of kidney function.
• Oxidative stress plays a role in heavy metal toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of Cadmium exposure on renal clearance in rats.
• To evaluate the protective effect of Allium cepa extract (AcE) against Cadmium-induced renal dysfunction.
• To assess the antioxidant properties of AcE in mitigating Cadmium toxicity.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-two Wistar rats were divided into three groups.
• One group received daily oral administration of Allium cepa extract (AcE) for eight weeks.
• Cadmium sulfate was administered intraperitoneally to two groups to induce toxicity.

Main Results:

• Cadmium exposure significantly reduced 24-hour urine volume and renal clearance of creatinine and urea.
• Cadmium exposure decreased plasma and tissue Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) activity.
• Cadmium exposure increased Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in plasma and tissues, indicating lipid peroxidation.
• Pre-administration of AcE effectively prevented these Cadmium-induced changes.

Conclusions:

• Cadmium exposure leads to significant renal dysfunction and oxidative stress.
• Oral administration of Allium cepa extract demonstrates a protective effect against Cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity.
• Onion extract holds potential as a therapeutic agent for mitigating heavy metal-induced kidney damage.