Role of beta carotene on histomorphology of rat kidneys in subacute Apap induced renal damage

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to evaluate the role of beta carotene on histomorphology of rat kidneys in subacute Acetaminophen [APAP]-induced renal damage. Lab based randomized control trial. The study was carried out in the department of Anatomy Army Medical College, I Rawalpindi; in collaboration with National Institute of Health [NIH], Islamabad for one week in June 2009. Sixty young adult [4-6 weeks old] Sprague-Dawley rats of both sexes weighing 180-240 g were randomized into three groups. Experimental group A was treated with 700 mg/kg body weight subacute APAP orally once daily for 7'consecutive days. Experimental group B was administered beta carotene 30 mg/kg body weight once daily one hour before 700 mg/kg body weight subacute APAP once daily for 7 consecutive days. Control group C animals were fed NIH laboratory diet. Kidney specimens were collected 24 hours after the last dose. Five micron thick sections of kidney were stained with H and E for histomorphological study. Frequencies and percentages were calculated to describe the variables p values less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Microscopic examination in experimental group A demonstrated tubular necrosis of level 2 [35% animals] and level 3 [65% animals]. Mild vacuolar degeneration was also observed in 90% of the experimental group A animals. In experimental group B, there was statistically significant difference p-value < 0.001 in levels of renal tubular necrosis [15% animals] and grades of vacuolar degeneration [5% animals] as compared to experimental group A. Findings in experimental group B were not significantly different from that of control group C. Beta carotene has protective role on histomorphology of kidneys in subacute APAP-induced renal damage in rats