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Abstract
This study investigated the protective effects of an aqueous-methanol extract of avocado seeds (Persea americana, PAE) against cadmium (Cd)-induced kidney damage in male Wistar rats. Twenty-five rats were divided into five groups: a control group, a Cd-only group (3mg/kg body weight, bwt), a PAEonly group (500mg/kg bwt), a Cd+PAE250 group (3mg/kg Cd + 250mg/kg.bwt PAE), and a Cd+PAE500 group (3mg/kg Cd + 500mg/kg.bwt PAE). Compared to the control group, Cd exposure significantly (p < 0.05) reduced body weight by an average of 20%. Plasma creatinine levels increased significantly (p > 0.05) in the Cd-only group by an average of 168% compared to controls, while plasma urea levels also increased significantly (p > 0.05) by an average of 14%. Histopathological examination of kidney tissues from Cd-exposed rats revealed significant structural alterations, including focal tubular necrosis, vascular ulceration, and interstitial haemorrhage. Treatment with PAE at 500mg/kg (Cd+PAE500) partially mitigated these effects. Specifically, body weight reduction was not statistically significant compared to the control group. However, PAE treatment did not significantly improve plasma total protein levels compared to the Cd-only group. Additionally, Cd+PAE500 treatment appeared to reduce the severity of histopathological changes compared to the Cd-only group. Overall, this study suggests that PAE treatment at 500mg/kg offers some protection against Cd-induced kidney damage in rats, possibly due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, further research is needed to explore the mechanisms of PAE's action, optimise dosing regimens for prevention and treatment and evaluate its long-term safety and efficacy.
