Cadmium (Cd) is a hazardous environmental pollutant that menaces human and animal
health and induces serious adverse effects in various organs, particularly the liver and
kidneys. Thus, the current study was designed to look into the possible mechanisms behind
the ameliorative activities of Tamarindus indica (TM) and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ) combined
therapy toward Cd-inflicted tissue injury. Male Wistar rats were categorized into seven
groups: Control (received saline only); TM (50 mg/kg); CoQ (40mg/kg); Cd (2 mg/kg); (Cd +
TM); (Cd + CoQ); and (Cd + TM+ CoQ). All the treatments were employed once daily via oral
gavage for 28 consecutive days. The results revealed that Cd exposure considerably
induced liver and kidney damage, evidenced by enhancement of liver and kidney
function tests. In addition, Cd intoxication could provoke oxidative stress evidenced by
markedly decreased glutathione (GSH) content and catalase (CAT) activity alongside a
substantial increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in the hepatic and renal
tissues. Besides, disrupted protein and lipid metabolism were noticed. Unambiguously, TM
or CoQ supplementation alleviated Cd-induced hepatorenal damage, which is most likely
attributed to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory contents. Interestingly, when TM and
CoQ were given in combination, a better restoration of Cd-induced liver and kidney damage
was noticed than was during their individual treatments. |
