Abstract

The current investigation was planned to assess the protective role of Nano Moringa oleifera leaves extract (Nano MOLE) with 2 different doses (high and low) against Cd-promoted hepatorenal toxicity. Forty-eight rats were divided into 6 groups. Control, Nano MOLE H group (250 mg/kg), Nano MOLE L group (125 mg/kg), Cd group (1 mg/kg), Cd+ Nano MOLE H group (1 mg/kg + 250 mg/kg) and Cd+ Nano MOLE L group (1 mg/kg + 125 mg/kg). All these treatments were administrated once daily intragastrically. After 60 days of treatment, Cd exposure resulted in significant elevation of liver enzymes [aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT)] as well as urea and creatinine compared to the control. However, it significantly reduced total protein (TP), albumin and globulin relative to the control. Furthermore, levels of interlukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-), C-reactive protein (CRP) and interlukine-10 (IL-10) were significantly escalated in Cd-treated group relative to control group. The histopathology of hepatic tissue revealed the dilatation of the portal area with multiple necrosis in hepatocytes accompanied by vascular congestion and inflammatory infiltration. In contrast, concurrent administration of Cd with Nano MOLE with 2 different doses (high and low) showed significant improvement in Cd-induced disruption in histological architecture as well as biochemical parameters. Interestingly, the most potent improvement appeared in Cd+ Nano MOLE L group. Therefore, it could be concluded that Nano MOLE could be used as a therapeutic agent against hepatic toxicity induced by Cd in rats owing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. Moreover, the findings of the present study showed that the low dose of Nano MOLE is much better to be used to avoid the deleterious effect of accumulation in the body organs and the resulted inflammation.

Key words: Nano Moringa oleifera leaves extract; antioxidant; anti-inflammatory; Cadmium; liver; immune response; rats