Assessment of the Effects of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Momordica balsamina on Oxidative Markers and Renal Function Parameters in Lead-induced Nephrotoxic Wistar Rats
N. M. Fakai *
Department of Chemical Pathology, Federal Teaching Hospital Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria.
M. H. Yeldu
Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Medical Laboratory Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria.
U. Wali
Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Medical Laboratory Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria.
A. S. Mainasara
Department of Chemical Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria.
I. Z. Wasagu
Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Medical Laboratory Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria.
N. Maniru
Department of Haematology, School of Medical Laboratory Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria.
B. Suleiman
Department of Chemical Pathology, Federal Teaching Hospital Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria.
F. Muhammad
Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medical Laboratory Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Lead toxicity is one of the most harmful heavy metal poisonings in humans and animals. It affects the kidneys’ ability to excrete waste and toxic substances, thereby causing oxidative stress, inflammation and kidney damage.
Aims: This study investigated the effects of ethanol leaf extract of Momordica balsamina on renal function parameters and oxidative markers in lead-induced nephrotoxic Wistar rats.
Methodology: Acute toxicity testing was conducted using Lorke’s (1983) method. Thirty (30) healthy adult Wistar rats, weighing 180–200 g and obtained from the Animal House of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, were randomly divided into six (6) groups of five (5) rats each. Group I served as the normal control and received standard feed and water. Group II (negative control) received 50 mg/kg lead acetate only for 14 days. Group III (positive control) received 50 mg/kg lead acetate for 14 days and was then treated with 70 mg/kg silymarin for 28 days. Groups IV, V and VI received 50 mg/kg lead acetate for 14 days and were then treated with graded doses of ethanol leaf extract of Momordica balsamina (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively) for 28 days. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were collected for biochemical analyses. The oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA), antioxidant enzymes (catalase and superoxide dismutase), and renal function parameters, including sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, urea and creatinine, were determined using standard laboratory methods.
Results: Lead acetate administration significantly increased serum MDA, sodium, potassium, chloride, urea and creatinine levels, with significant reductions in catalase, superoxide dismutase and bicarbonate levels when compared with the normal control. However, treatment with ethanol leaf extract of Momordica balsamina caused a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation, improved antioxidant enzyme activity and improved renal function parameters when compared with the negative control group.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that ethanol leaf extract of M. balsamina produced no visible toxic effect even at a dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight. The leaf extract of M. balsamina ameliorated oxidative stress and reduced the functional impact of lead toxicity on the kidneys by improving renal function.
Keywords: Momordica balsamina, ethanol leaf extract, lead acetate, nephrotoxicity, oxidative stress, malondialdehyde, catalase, superoxide dismutase, renal function, Wistar rats