comparative study of the possible protective role of vitamin E versus selenium on sodium arsenate induced nephropathy in male albino rats, histologicul and histochemical study

ABSTRACT

Drinking water contaminated by arsenic remains a major health problem. Selenium as a trace element and vitamin E have antioxidant properties and might be considered as protective elements. Forty-nine male albino rats were used in the present study to compare between the possible protective role of vitamin E versus selenium on sodium arsenate induced nephropathy. The animals were divided into 2 major groups, a control and an experimental group. Animals of the experimental group received sodium arsenate daily in a dose of 1 mg / kg / day. The experiment was conducted daily for 28 days. Animals were sacrificed; blood samples were obtained to measure the level of urea and creatinine. Kidney specimens were dissected, processed and examined histologically and histochemically. In animals of subgroup IIa which received sodium arsenate some glomeruli were seen to be congested, others showed atrophy of the glomerular tuft of capillaries. The cytoplasm of some of the cells lining the tubules showed vacuolations with ill-defined nuclei. Some renal tubules were seen to be dilated. Areas of congestion were demonstrated between the tubules in the cortex and medulla. There was highly significant increase in the mean value of the percentage of tubular damage. PAS stained sections showed localized thickening of the glomerular basement membrane, basement membrane of Bowman's capsule and that of the tubules. Mallory stained sections showed increased collagen fibers around the glomerular capillaries and in the interstitial tissue of the kidney. Decreased succinic dehydrogenase enzyme activity was observed in the cytoplasm of the renal tubules. Also there was reduction of alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity at the brush border of the PCTs. Urea and creatinine were highly significantly increased. In subgroup IIb animals which received sodium arsenate together with vitamin E, many of the nephrons showed similar picture to that of subgroup IIa which received sodium arsenate alone. While subgroup IIc animals which received sodium arsenate together with selenium showed similar histological, histochemical and biochemical results as those of the control. It is concluded that selenium showed more protective effect than vitamin E on arsenic induced nephropathy