Renal biomarkers and histomorphological alterations in <i>Rattus norvegicus</i> Wistar strain exposed to hematite

Abstract

Hematite (iron ore) is one of the heavy metals causing environmental hazards and damage to the body. This study examined the effect of iron ore on renal function biomarkers and histo architecture in Wistar Rats. A total of 20 male albino Wistar rats subdivided into four groups of 5 rats each were used. Group A served as control while B, C and D were experimental groups. B and C received 3mg/kg b.wt and 4.5mg/kg bwt of iron ore while D received 4.5mg/kg b.wt of iron ore and Vitamin E for 28 days respectively, after which the animals were sacrificed to harvest the kidneys for histological analysis. Blood samples were also collected in plain bottles for renal function biomarker analysis. Data obtained were expressed as mean + SEM while One way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to compare means, with level of significance accepted at p<0.05. Results showed significant increase of Urea, Creatinine, Sodium ion and Bicarbonate ion (p<0.05) in a dose dependent manner, but a decrease of potassium ion and chloride ion in like  manner. A dose dependent histo-architectural distortion of the kidney was also observed. However, cconcomitant administration of Vitamin E modulated the renotoxic potentials of the iron ore.

Keywords: Hematite, Heavy metals, Renal biomarkers, Renal histomorphology