Flavocoxid, a Natural Antioxidant, Protects Mouse Kidney from Cadmium-Induced Toxicity

Abstract EN

Background.

Cadmium (Cd), a diffused environmental pollutant, has adverse effects on urinary apparatus.

The role of flavocoxid, a natural flavonoid with antioxidant activity, on the morphological and biochemical changes induced in vivo by Cd in mice kidney was evaluated.

Methods.

C57 BL/6J mice received 0.9% NaCl alone, flavocoxid (20 mg/kg/day i.p.) alone, Cd chloride (CdCl2) (2 mg/kg/day i.p.) alone, or CdCl2 plus flavocoxid (2 mg/kg/day i.p.

plus 20 mg/kg/day i.p.) for 14 days.

The kidneys were processed for biochemical, structural, ultrastructural, and morphometric evaluation.

Results.

Cd treatment alone significantly increased urea nitrogen and creatinine, iNOS, MMP-9, and pERK 1/2 expression and protein carbonyl; reduced GSH, GR, and GPx; and induced structural and ultrastructural changes in the glomeruli and in the tubular epithelium.

After 14 days of treatment, flavocoxid administration reduced urea nitrogen and creatinine, iNOS, MMP-9, and pERK 1/2 expression and protein carbonyl; increased GSH, GR, and GPx; and showed an evident preservation of the glomerular and tubular structure and ultrastructure.

Conclusions.

A protective role of flavocoxid against Cd-induced oxidative damages in mouse kidney was demonstrated for the first time.

Flavocoxid may have a promising antioxidant role against environmental Cd harmful effects on glomerular and tubular lesions.