Protective Effects of Apricot Oil Against Mercuric Chloride-Induced Hepato-Renal Toxicity in Rats

Document Type : Original Article

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Biotoxicology laboratory. Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and life-Djillali Liabes University of Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the possible protective role of apricot oil against liver and renal toxicity induced by mercuric chloride in rats by using biochemical approaches and tissue analysis. Twenty-four adult male albinos Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups, the first served as a control; whereas the remaining groups were respectively treated with:  mercuric chloride (0.25 mg/kg body weight i.p) + apricot oil (5ml/ kg b.w; by gavage after one month); apricot oil (5ml/ kg b.w; by gavage) and combination of apricot oil and HgCl2 at the same time. The result showed a moderately decreased body weight in all treated groups compared with the control (p = 0,017). Exposure of rats to mercuric chloride caused a significantly decreased activity of AST, ALT compared with the control, the differences were statistically significant for the AST (P=0,017) and ALT (P=0,027). Supplementation of apricot oil resulted in a decreased level of AST antioxidant enzymes level in the liver. Pancreatic hypoglycemia was noted in the group treated with mercuric chloride plus apricot oil compared to the control. Apricot oil also produced substantial decreases in the concentrations of total cholesterol, urea and creatinine (P<0,05). A significant decrease in phosphorus levels in the mercuric chloride group compared to control was observed. Supplementation of apricot oil resulted in a decrease in protide levels. The results clearly demonstrate that apricot oil treatment augments the antioxidants defense mechanism in mercuric chloride-induced toxicity and provides evidence that it may have a therapeutic role in free radical-mediated diseases.

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