Protective effects of zinc and Prunus amygdalus against cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity in male Albino rats.

Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal that has a devastating impact on most organs, mainly the kidneys. This work aims to investigate the protective effects of Zn and P.amygdalus against cadmium induced renal toxicity in male albino rats. In the study, male albino rats were divided into five groups. The "Cd group" rats were treated with 50 mg/kg weekly dosing of CdCl₂ to induce toxicity, while the control group received normal water and food like bread. The other three groups received doses of Cd + Zn, Cd + P. amygdalus, and Cd + Zn + P. amygdalus, respectively through oral gavage needle. Zn was given in the form of ZnCl₂ daily at a dose rate of 12 mg/kg, while the P.amygdalus was given in the form of fine powder daily at a dose rate of 400 mg/kg. The whole experiment was of 28 days. After the experiment, the serum urea, creatinine, phosphate, and calcium levels were measured. Histopathological study was done using light microscopic analysis. Cd dosing elevated the serum urea, creatinine, and phosphate levels, while calcium level showed decline. Histological analysis showed that Cd treatment group resulted in the increase of cross-sectional area of glomerulus, Bowman's capsule, proximal tubules, and distal tubules. Zn and P.amygdalus treatments both individually and in combination led to the reversal and prevention of these toxic alterations in kidney parameters induced by Cd. Among the treatment groups, the combination group Cd + Zn + P.amygdalus showed more significant effects against nephrotoxicity of Cd. The results showed that Zn and P.amygdalus are very critical in protecting the renal damage caused by Cd in male albino rats.