Hepato-toxic risk of gum arabic during adenine-induced renal toxicity prevention

Abstract

Objective: Lately, gum arabic (GA) is traditionally used in Middle East countries to ameliorate renal function of patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). This action is controversial and it is still experimentally under evaluation. We aimed to shed more light on the potential effects of GA administration to rats with adenine (AD)-induced CRF through investigating kidney and liver changes. Material and Methods: Rats were divided into four groups treated for consecutive 28 days. Control group was given normal food and water. GA group was given GA (15% w/v/day) in drinking water. AD group; received AD (50 mg/ kg/day, intraperitoneally). GA + AD group received both AD (50 mg/kg/day) and GA (15% w/v/day). On day 29, rats were sacrificed and serum creatinine, urea, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), albumin, bilirubin, cholesterol levels, and renal/hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase were estimated. Kidney/liver histo-pathological studies were performed. Results: GA supplement efficiency in preventing AD-induced renal toxicity is clearly evident from histo-pathological examination and reduced urea, BUN, and creatinine levels. Also, it is proven that GA supplementation produces harmful effects on the liver as it increases ALT and AST levels.