Modulatory effects of methanol extract of Artocarpus altilis (Moraceae) on cadmium-induced hepatic and renal toxicity in male Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND

Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental risk factor with an established toxicity in animals. Therefore, natural antioxidants may be protective against Cd-toxicity. The study was designed to investigate the modulatory effects of methanol extract of Artocarpus altilis (AA) on oxidant-antioxidant balance and lipid profile in liver and kidney of Cd-exposed rats while quercetin (QE) served as standard.

METHODS

Total phenolic content (TPC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryldydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of AA were assessed in vitro. In vivo, rats were orally treated with AA (200mg/kg) and QE (25mg/kg) daily for three weeks and challenged with two doses of Cd (1.5mg/kg, i.p.) in the last 72h.

RESULTS

The TPC and DPPH scavenging effects of AA were high and comparable with catechin. Cd-intoxication significantly (p<0.05) increased the activities of serum alanine aminotransferase and levels of urea, total bilirubin and creatinine by 94%, 60%, 234% and 76%, respectively. Cd-exposure caused a significant increase (p<0.05) in serum and tissues total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and reduction in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels. The levels of hepatic and renal antioxidant parameters: glutathione-s-transferase, superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione were significantly (p<0.05) decreased in Cd-intoxicated rats with concomitant elevation of lipid peroxidation. Histopathological findings revealed necrosis and distortion of architecture of renal tissue and, periportal infiltration in hepatocytes of Cd-intoxicated rats. Pretreatment with AA and QE restored antioxidant status, lipid profile and attenuated the lesions in the tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

Extract of A. altilis protects against Cd-induced liver and kidney dysfunction via antioxidant and radical scavenging activities.