Cadmium-induced hematological, renal, and hepatic toxicity: The amelioration by spirulina platensis

Abstract

Background: spirulina platensis (SP) is known as a valuable additional food and therapeutic agent. Objective: We investigate the protective effect of SP on cadmium (Cd)-induced hematological, renal and hepatic toxicity in rats. Materials and Methods: The rats were divided into four groups. Group 1: received saline orally. Group 2: treated with SP orally for 28 days. Groups 3: treated with CdCl2for 28 days. Group 4: treated with CdCl2and SP for 28 days. Renal and hepatic damages were evaluated by investigating the renal and hepatic functions, oxidative markers, and histopathological changes. Results: There was a statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in Cd concentration in the liver and kidneys of G3 and a significant decrease with the administration of SP in G4. In rat hepatic and renal tissues, superoxide dismutase and catalase were significantly reduced while malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly increased and significant decrease in RBC count, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit in Group 3 when compared to G1 and G2 (P ≤ 0.05), with improvements of these parameters in G4 when compared to G3. A significant increase was observed in plasma MDA level in Group 3 compared to control group and SP-treated group, and it was significantly decreased in G4 compared to G3. Conclusion: It can be concise that accumulation of Cd in liver and kidneys of rats is associated with remarkable alterations enzymatic activities of the antioxidant system. Our data suggested that lipid peroxidation was associated with Cd toxicity in both liver and kidney tissues. The oxidative damage in kidney and liver of rats induced by Cd is protected by SP.