The Possible Ameliorative Effect of Naringenin versus Flaxseed Oil on Renal Lead Toxicity in Male Albino Rats: A Histological and Immunohistochemical Study.

BACKGROUND

Lead is an abundant and nonbiodegradable pollutant that is present in nature. The renal toxicity of lead is not only a functional disturbance but also a structural damage. Naringenin is a natural flavonoid that has anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anticancer effects. Flaxseed oil (FO) is the richest dietary plant source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and has beneficial effects on dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases.

OBJECTIVE

To investigating the possible ameliorative histological and immunohistochemical effects of naringenin versus FO on renal lead toxicity in male albino rats.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Thirty-two rats were allocated to four groups: Group I, control; Group II, lead acetate (30 mg/kg/day); Group III, lead acetate and naringenin (20 mg/kg/day), and Group IV, lead acetate and FO (2 g/kg/day). All chemicals were given orally as a single daily dose by oral gavage for 30 days. Sections of kidney tissues were examined using H and E, Masson's trichrome stain, periodic acid-Schiff stain, and immunohistochemical staining (BCL-2-associated X protein [BAX] and inducible nitric oxide synthase [iNOS]).

RESULTS

Lead caused an increase in serum urea and creatinine. A histological study revealed the atrophy of some glomerular capillaries, while other capillaries showed hypertrophic changes. Tubular degenerative changes with deposition of hemosiderin pigments were confirmed by an increase in BAX and iNOS immunoexpression. Naringenin and FO ameliorated the functional and structural alterations caused by lead intoxication.

CONCLUSION

Both naringenin and FO through their anti-oxidative stress action can improve structural and functional alterations in the rat kidneys which are caused by lead intoxication. However, the action of naringenin was superior to FO.