An Evaluation of the Mitigating Effects of Α-Tocopherol (Vitamin E) and Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) on the Renal Function and Histology of Adult Male Albino Wistar Rats with Sub-Acute Lead Acetate Exposure

Objectives: The aim of this study was to verify mitigating effects of the antioxidants α tocopherol (Vitamin E) and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) on lead induced renal toxicity in adult male Wistar rats. Methods: A total of 36 mature male Wistar rats separated into 1 control group fed with rat feeds and water only and 3 study groups fed with 10 mg/ml of lead acetate, 10 mg/ml of lead acetate + 200 mg/2ml of vitamin C and 10 mg/ml of lead acetate + 100 mg/2ml of vitamin E respectively in addition to feds and water for 28 days were used. Blood samples were obtained for renal indices and the kidneys of all rats were harvested, weighed and prepared for histological examination. Result: The percentage weight gain was highest among control rats (20.70%), followed by lead + vitamin E group (18.42%), lead + vitamin C group (17.00%) and the least amongst the lead group (9.50%). The mean serum uric acid of 419.20 ± 35.80 μmol/L in the lead treatment group was significantly higher than 395.50 ± 15.35 μmol/L, 393.30 ± 14.16 μmol/L and 387.67 ± 14.56 μmol/L in the lead + vitamin C group, lead + vitamin E group and controls respectively. The extent and proportion of renal tissue damage was higher in the lead-treated group and the commonest renal abnormalities observed were tubular and interstitial damage seen in 90.00% of rats in the lead-treated group compared to 75.00% and 60.00% in the lead + vitamin C and the lead + vitamin E groups respectively while the control rats had a normal histological appearance. Conclusions: The sub-acute administration of lead acetate may have inhibitory effect on growth of animals, and adversely affect renal function and histology with uric acid as a more reliable marker of lead induced renal toxicity compared to urea and creatinine. The histologic parameters of tubulointerstitial abnormalities were also consistent with lead toxicity. Antioxidants were useful in reducing lead induced renal damage and growth inhibition with vitamin E producing a more potent effect compared to Vitamin C.