Cytoprotectant and Anti-Oxidant Effects of Olive Oil on Cadmium Induced Nephrotoxicity in Mice

Background: Cadmium is a heavy metal having toxic effects on most organ systems of the body. Objectives: We aim to investigate the postulated protective properties of olive oil in Cadmium-induced renal toxicity in mice by utilizing standard biomarkers of renal toxicity, oxidative stress and histopathological characterization. Materials and Methods: Forty mice were randomly divided into four groups of 10 mice each. Group 1 served as control group, group 2 was given Extra-virgin olive oil orally, group 3 was given Cadmium chloride and group 4 was given Cadmium chloride with Extra-virgin olive oil. At the end of the experimental period, biochemical analysis histopathology of kidney was done. Results: The present study depicted that blood urea, serum creatinine and the antioxidant markers (Superoxide dismutase, Glutathione peroxidase and Catalase) levels were significantly increased in group 3 compared to group 1 and 2. After administration of Extra-virgin olive oil with Cadmium in group 4, the levels of those markers significantly improved. Histopathology of the renal tissue showed severe damage of glomeruli, severely congested blood vessels and marked dilatation of Bowman’s capsule in group 3 with improvements of these changes in group 4. Conclusion: This study suggests that Extra-virgin olive oil can be used as a cost effective safe anti-oxidative agent in the prevention of Cadmium toxicity.