Protective effects of a mixture of multi-strain native Iranian probiotics on lead acetate-induced toxicity in the kidney of male rats: An integrated biochemical, molecular and histopathological study.

Objective: In this study, the protective effects of native Iranian probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus holoticus) on lead acetate (PbAc)-induced toxicity in the kidney of male rats were investigated using biochemical, molecular and histopathological approaches.

Materials and methods: Twenty-one male Wistar rats were divided into three groups (n=7/group), including controls, PbAc recipient (10 mg/kg) and PbAc recipient (10 mg/kg) + probiotic mixture (10⁹ CFU). PbAc and probiotics were gavage in the groups. On the 31^st day, blood samples were used to measure serum concentrations of creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), sodium, total protein and potassium. Rats were dissected and renal tissues apoptotic and inflammatory genes were evaluated.

Results: PbAc increased serum concentrations of Cr, sodium, and urea, and decreased total protein and potassium, while it enhanced interleukine-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor -α (TNF- α) gene expression in kidney tissue compared to the control group. Probiotic mixture decreased Cr, BUN, and malondialdehyde and increased activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes in kidney tissue.

Conclusion: The results of the study showed that the native Iranian probiotics mixture can be used to protect the function and structure of the kidneys against toxic and oxidative damage induced by PbAc.