Nephroprotective Properties of Palm Dates and Olive Leaves Extracts on Cadmium-Induced Acute Renal Toxicity in Albino Rats

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) is a well-known industrial and environmental pollutant having hazardous and poisonous properties in various forms of kidney impairment. Consequently, this study aimed to evaluate the nephroprotective effect of palm dates extract (PDE) and olive leaves extract (OLE) against cadmium chloride (CdCl₂)-induced nephrotoxicity. A total of 36 adult male albino rats were divided into six equal groups. Group 1: control group injected with physiological saline, group 2: oral gavage with PDE, group 3: orally administrated with OLE, group 4: injected daily with CdCl₂ (3 mg/kg, i.p.). Groups 5 and 6: were orally treated with either PDE or OLE, respectively one hour prior to ip administration of CdCl_2. After one-week samples were collected from all groups for serum biochemical analysis of kidney function as well as investigation of malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Kidney tissue specimens were obtained for histopathological examination. CdCl₂ exposure caused a significant elevation (P<0.05) in serum creatinine, urea, uric acid and MDA levels with marked reduction in CAT, SOD and GPx indicating renal damage. CdCl₂ induced severe congestion and vasculitis with marked perivascular edema, inflammation, hemorrhage, glomerular shrinkage, massive degeneration, necrosis and apoptosis in the renal tubular epithelium. PDE and OLE treatment resulted in significant improvement in kidney function and oxidative markers with a marked reduction of MDA level. Histopathological changes were also ameliorated. In conclusion, PDE or OLE treatment significantly reduced the deleterious effects of acute CdCl₂ renal damage by reducing oxidative stress as a protective mechanism.