Ameliorative Effect of n-Butanol Fraction of Phoenix dactylifera on Mercury-induced Nephrotoxicity in Wistar Rats

Mercury is a highly toxic substance that poses a serious threat to living organisms. This work evaluated the protective effects of n-butanol fraction of Phoenix dactylifera Linn (BFPD) on mercury-induced kidney toxicity in Wistar rats. 25 rats were divided into 5 groups containing 5 rats each. Group I was administered 2 ml/kg of distilled water; group II was administered 5 mg/kg of mercury chloride (HgCl2); groups III and IV received 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg of BFPD followed by 5 mg/kg of HgCl2 respectively. Group V was treated with 100 mg/kg of silymarin followed by 5 mg/kg of HgCl2. All administrations were oral and lasted for 2 weeks after which the rats were euthanized and blood and kidney samples were collected for biochemical, histological, and histochemical studies respectively. HgCl2 induced oxidative stress resulting in nephrotoxicity in the rats noticeable by altered levels of Na2+, Ca2+, K+, Cl- and HCO3 -, and activities of SOD and catalase when compared to the control. However, BFPD treatment ameliorated these alterations. The group treated with HgCl2 showed histological variations in the kidney such as dilated Bowman’s capsule and glomerular shrinkage while histochemical analysis revealed reduced reactivity to glycogen moiety when compared to the control. Treatment with BFPD protected the histoarchitectural properties of the kidney comparable to the control. In conclusion, BFPD protected the kidney against HgCl2-induced nephrotoxicity in rats due to its antioxidant (flavonoid) properties. Therefore, BFPD may be considered a noble candidate for treating and managing HgCl2-related nephrotoxicity

Key Words: Phoenix dactylifera, Renal toxicity, Mercury chloride, Histochemistry, Oxidative stress