Background: Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental and industrial pollutant with high toxicity and
carcinogenic activity. Cd are used mainly in the manufacturing of pigments, plastics, batteries and coatings. It may
accumulate in many organs. However, the main victim of Cd is considered the kidney. The mode of action of Cd to
induce toxic effect through the diminution of protein-bound sulfhydryl groups and glutathione which leads to
augment the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Apocynin (APO) is a natural organic compound isolated
from the roots of Apocynumcannabinum (Canadian hemp). It is the finest known antioxidant and an inhibitor of
NADPH oxidase. Apocynin has a low toxicity and can be applied in the treatment of arthritis, asthma, neurological,
and cardiovascular illness through the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant impacts. Aim of the work: This work aims
at evaluation of the protective role of apocynin on albino rat kidney exposed to environmental Cd. Materials and
Methods: Twenty adult albino rats were randomly segregated into equal four groups. Rats of group I received
distald water Group II: Each rat had received apocynin20 mg/kg/day. Those of group III had received cadmium
chloride (2 mg/kg/day). In group IV each rat had received cadmium chloride (2 mg/kg /per day in distilled water)
plus apocynin20 mg/kg/day. All drugs given daily intraperitoneally for 4 weeks. Then blood samples were taken for
assessment of serum creatinine and blood urea. kidneys were removed and prepared for histological examination
after staining the tissues by Hematoxylin and eosin (H x & E) and Masson's trichrome. Also an
Immunohistochemical study was done to detect caspas-3. The mean area percentage of Caspaseimmuno-expression
was quantified in five images from five non-overlapping fields of each rat. Statistical analysis of the obtained results
by using IBM SPSS software. Results: Evaluation of renal function revealed a highly significant increase in the
mean values of serum urea and creatinine in cadmium treated group as compared to those in Apocynine and
Apocynine & Cadmium chloride treated groups (P |
