Biochemical and Ultra Structure Studies of the Antioxidant Effect of Aqueous Extract of Hibiscus Sabdariffa on the Nephrotoxicity Induced by Organophosphorous Pesticide (Malathion) on the Adult Albino Rats

Organophosphorous (OP) pesticide is applied to numerous crops, including wheat and corn. Residual amounts of organophosphorous pesticides have been detected in soil, vegetables, grains and other food products. Several mechanisms of the OP toxicity have been proposed, including the induction of cellular proliferation, oxidative stress and immune-toxicity. Roselle (ROS, Hibiscus sabdariffa L., family Malvaceae) is an annual shrub commonly used to make jellies, jams and beverages. Many biological activities have been recorded for ROS, such as anti-atherosclerosis, anti-carcinogenic, hepato-protective and anti-oxidative properties. The Aim: this study was set to evaluate the possible protective effect of Roselle on nephro-toxicity induced by sub-lethal dose of Malathion in rats. Material and Methods: 24 adult male albino rats were used and divided into four groups of 6 rats/each. Group I: animals were given corn oil at a dose of 0.2 ml per animal via gavage once a day for one month and served as a control. Group II: animals received only aqueous extracts of Roselle at a daily dose of (500 mg /kg b. wt./day). Group III: animals were given Malathion at a sub lethal dose of 27mg/kg b. wt./day. Groups IV: animals were given both of aqueous extracts of Roselle as the same dose of group II three hours before the administration of Malathion. At the end of the experimental period the kidney function and markers of oxidative stress were investigated. Moreover, histopathological examination of the renal tissue was carried by light and electron microscopes. The results of the present study showed that treatment with Malathion alone caused increase in the kidney weight (P<0.001), cellular degeneration, necrosis of the renal tissues and increase in the serum urea and creatinine (P<0.001 for both). However, administration of aqueous extract of Roselle prior to Malathion resulted in a significant alleviation of the kidney injuries evidenced by a decrease of the kidney weights when compared to the Malathion-treated (P<0.001) and biochemical indices; urea and creatinine (P<0.001; P>0.05, respect.) for both when compared to the Malathion-treated and control groups, respectively. Furthermore, there was significant improvement of the histological picture toward the normal among the Malathion+ROS-treated group. All these effects may be due to the antioxidant effect of the Roselle as treatment with the extract of Roselle significantly elevated (P<0.001) the decreased CAT activity observed with Malathion treated rats. Moreover, treatment with the extract of Roselle significantly elevated the SOD levels when compared to the Malathion-treated animals (P<0.001). Furthermore, the GSH level reduced significantly (P<0.001) along with increased in MDA concentration (P<0.001) in the Malathion treated group as compared to the control group. However on treatment with Roselle extract, the GSH level was found to be enhanced significantly (P<0.001) and the MDA contents were reduced (P<0.001) when compared to the Malathion treated group. Conclusion, the results of the current study showed that the aqueous extracts from Hibiscus sabdariffa possess a potent protective effect against the oxidative stress induced by sub lethal dose of Malathion on the rat kidney. {[}Hala H. Mossalam Olfat A. Abd-El Aty Enas N. Morgan Sahar M. S. Youssaf and Amal M H. Mackawy Biochemical and Ultra Structure Studies of the Antioxidant Effect of Aqueous Extract of Hibiscus Sabdariffa on the Nephrotoxicity Induced by Organophosphorous Pesticide (Malathion) on the Adult Albino Rats] Life Science Journal. 2011; 8(4):561-574] (ISSN: 1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com.