Protective effect of pomegranate seed oil against mercuric chloride-induced nephrotoxicity in rat

Purpose: Heavy metals such as mercury can induce the generation of free radicals and oxidative stress which are associated with tissue injury. The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of pomegranate seed oil against HgCl₂-induced nephrotoxicity. Methods: Twenty-four W/A adult rats were randomly divided into four groups. Group I received corn oil (1?mL/kg). Group II received HgCl₂ (5?mg/kg) for 3 days. Group III and IV received PSO 0.4?mL/kg and 0.8?mL/kg, respectively one hour before HgCl₂ administration for 3 days. Blood samples were taken by cardiac puncture and used for the measurement of urea and creatinine concentration. Twenty-hour-hour urine samples were collected to measure protein and glucose. The right kidney was fixed in formalin for histological examination and the left kidney was homogenized for measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) and total sulfhydryl groups. Results: Significant elevation of serum creatinine and urea levels as well as urine glucose and protein concentrations, a significant decrease in total thiol content and a significant increase in MDA levels in kidney homogenate samples were observed after administration of HgCl₂ as compared with control group. PSO pretreatment resulted in a significant decrease in serum creatinine and urea levels as well as urine glucose and protein concentrations when compared with HgCl₂ treated (group II). PSO also significantly reversed the HgCl₂-induced depletion in thiol content and elevation in MDA content. Histological studies revealed milder kidney lesions in PSO treated groups (groups III and IV) compared to HgCl₂ treated group. Conclusion: Our results suggest that PSO has a protective effect against HgCl₂-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.