Modulatory Role of Zeolite against Cadmium Chloride-Induced Renal Damage In Pregnant Rats and Their Fetuses

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal and a significant inorganic toxin that is commonly found throughout the environment. The human body, as well as the kidneys, tend to accumulate Cd. Research conducted on both humans and animals suggests that exposure to cadmium can lead to significant skeletal damage, specifically osteoporosis. Based on the prevalence of cadmium in the environment and its frequent use, we studied the effect of its toxicity on pregnant rat and their fetuses and the effect of zeolite on them. The experimental rats were divided into 5 groups (n=8, each). The 1 st group received distilled water as a normal control group. The 2 nd received tween 80 and served as tween 80 group. The 3 rd was administrated with zeolite dissolved in tween 80 then in distilled water at a dose (100mg\kg\day). The 4 th was administrated with cadmium chloride at dose (30mg\kg\day). The 5 th was administrated with a combination of both zeolite and cadmium chloride. All groups were administered the materials orally from the 6 th day to the 15 th day of gestation. All animals were sacrificed at the end of gestation periods (on the 20 th day). Our obtained results showed adverse histological alterations in maternal and fetal kidneys. Also, CdCl 2 (cadmium chloride) induced remarkable changes in the levels of kidney functions. On the other hand, results showed incomplete ossification of the skull, metacarpals, and phalanges of the toes of fetuses’ skeletons. Zeolite administration markedly ameliorated the altered renal histological and physiological changes as well as the skeletal deformity in fetuses induced by cadmium.