Evaluation of the Effect of Jatropha integerrima (Euphorbiaceae) on the renal Function of Male Albino Wistar Rats Exposed to Chromium

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of Jathropha interrigima on renal function of male Albino Wistar rats exposed to chromium.

Study Design: The study is an experimental study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, between March 2020 and December 2020.

Methodology: A total of 30 male Albino Wistar rats that weighed between 140-210g were used for this study. This study was done in three phases: Acute, Sub-chronic and Chronic phases and Jathropha interrigima extract was given to the rats as a prophylaxis (PRE) within the three phases and as a therapeutic (POST) substance within the three phases. Blood samples were collected at the end of each phase for both PRE and POST by cardiac puncture and separated into microvials tubes for the evaluation of the renal parameters listed above using a Selectra Pro-S automated chemistry analyzer. The kidneys were also harvested for histological studies using haematoxilin stain. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22.0 and p values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results: For the Acute Phase, the rats exposed to Chromium (Treatment Group) given the Jathropha extract prophylactically(PRE) had mean Potassium level( 7.33 ± 0.51mmol/l) which was significantly higher than the positive control (5.5 ± 0.42mmol/l); whereas for the Treatment group given the Jathropha extract therapeutically (POST) had mean Sodium level (134.7 ± 2.08mmol/l) which was significantly higher than the negative control (126.5 ± 2.21mmol/l) and the positive control( 130.0 ± 0.01mmol/l), also a CRP level (1.6 ± 0.06u/ml) which was significantly higher than the PC ( 1.5±0.0u/ml1) and NC (1.3± 0.01u/ml) and a KIM level (16.7±0.10u/ml) which was significantly higher than the PC(14.3±0.01u/ml) and NC ( 1.3±0.01u/ml) respectively. In the Sub-chronic phase, Rats in the PRE had TG mean CRP (1.5±0.42u/ml) and KIM (16.1±1.72iu/l) which were significantly higher than the NC and PC (1.2±0.07); whereas those in POST had mean Potassium level (4.5 ± 0.20) which was significantly lower than PC and NC, a mean Bicarbonate level (20.0 ± 1.00) which was higher than PC and NC. And an Anion Gap (12.7 ± 0.58) which was significantly lower than the controls. Mean CRP, KIM, Urea and Creatinine levels in the treatment group where significantly lower than in the controls. A similar result occurred at the chronic phases for both PRE and POST.

Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that exposure to Chromium caused a Renal injury and Jathropha interrigima may have the potential to heal or reverse the injurious effect if given as a therapy for upto 30 to 60 days.