Effect of vitamin E on the biochemical and haematological changes produced by cadmium toxicity in kidneys of albino rats

ABSTRACT

Kidneys are the main excretory organ of the body, performing its function through elimination of nephrotoxicants as Cadmium [Cd]. We carried out this study to investigate the effects of vitamin E "alpha tocopherol", as an antioxidant compound, on Cd induced toxicity in the kidneys of albino rats. In experimental albino rats, intraperitoneal administration of Cd [0.4 and 0.6 mg/kg/day] for 12 weeks induced renal damage, which was evident from the increased levels of serum urea and creatinine with significant decrease in total proteins, body weight and hematological parameters. This was associated with a significant rise in Cd concentration both in kidneys and blood. Co-administration of alpha tocopherol as antioxidant resulted in improvement of the kidney functions. The present study suggests that the physiological, biochemical and cytoprotective potential effects of vitamin E in Cd toxicity might be due to its antioxidant properties, which could be useful for achieving optimum effects in treating Cd induced renal damage