Carbendazim alters kidney morphology, kidney function tests, tissue markers of oxidative stress and serum micro-elements in rats fed protein-energy malnourished diet

Abstract

The effects protein-energy malnourishment on the kidney morphology, kidney tissue markers of oxidative stress, tissue toxicity and plasma micro-elements in carbendazim-treated adult male Wistar rats were evaluated. Forty rats were divided into 4 groups fed low (4.11%) or normal (17.78%) protein-energy diets (LP and NP, respectively) and orally administered 200 mg carbendazim/kg body weight (LPC; NPC)/day for 14 days. Control groups received oil (LPO; NPO). Carbendazim reduced the relative body weight gains of the rats relative to the NPO, independent of their protein-energy diet status. Significant elevations (ρ < 0.05) in the profiles of MDA, GSH, SOD, total bilirubin, conjugated bilirubin, urea, Ni, Se and lead were observed in the LPC group relative to the NPO group. The NPC group showed significantly decreased (ρ < 0.05) levels of MDA and Zn relative to the NPO. However, the concentrations of CAT, GSH, total bilirubin, unconjugated bilirubin, Se and As were significantly elevated in the NPC relative to the NPO groups. Although histomorphological changes were observed in the kidney of the carbendazim-treated group on normal protein diet, protein-energy malnutrition did not exacerbate lesions which were contrary to tissue MDA which was elevated in LPC. The alterations in the profiles of tissue markers of oxidative stress, kidney function tests and some micro-nutrients observed in the kidney suggest that the toxic effects of carbendazim is more pronounced in the kidney of protein-energy malnourished rats.

Keywords: Carbendazim, protein-energy malnourishment, kidney toxicity, micro-elements.