Vitamin C attenuates potassium dichromate-induced nephrotoxicity and alterations in renal brush border membrane enzymes and phosphate transport in rats

Abstract

Background Exposure to chromium compounds can result in nephrotoxicity. The administration of potassium dichromate (K 2Cr 2O 7), a hexavalent chromium compound, results in impairment in functions of renal brush border membrane (BBM). Methods The effect of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) on K 2Cr 2O 7-induced nephrotoxicity, changes in BBM enzymes, Pi transport and the anti-oxidant status of rat kidney were studied. Animals were divided into 4 groups and were intraperitoneally given saline (control), vitamin C alone, K 2Cr 2O 7 alone and vitamin C plus K 2Cr 2O 7. Nephrotoxicity was evaluated by urea and creatinine levels in the serum. Anti-oxidant status was evaluated in kidney homogenates. Results A single dose of K 2Cr 2O 7 (15 mg/kg body weight) resulted in an increase of serum urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, increase in lipid peroxidation and decrease in total sulfhydryl groups. However, prior treatment with a single dose of vitamin C (250 mg/kg body weight) protected the kidney from the damaging effects of K 2Cr 2O 7. It greatly ameliorated the K 2Cr 2O 7-induced nephrotoxicity and reduction in Pi transport, activities of catalase, Cu–Zn superoxide dismutase and BBM enzymes. This was accompanied by decrease in lipid peroxidation and recovery of sulfhydryl content of renal cortex. Conclusions Vitamin C is an effective chemoprotectant against K 2Cr 2O 7-induced acute renal failure and dysfunction of the renal BBM in rats.