Nephroprotective Effect Of Smilax China Against Mercuric Chloride Intoxication In Albino Rats-Histological Study

Abstract

BACK GROUND : There is a growing problem of worldwide contamination of the environment with mercury. The fate and behaviour of mercury in the environment depends on its chemical form. Inorganic mercury compounds enter water bodies by different ways and undergo a process of methylation.

Mercury poisoning can result from inhalation, ingestion, or absorption through the skin and may be highly toxic and corrosive once absorbed into blood stream. High exposures to inorganic mercury may result in damage to the gastrointestinal tract, the nervous system, and the kidneys. mercury combines with proteins in the plasma or enters the red blood cells but does not readily pass into the brain or fetus and instead, may enter other body organs.

 Studies have revealed that mercuric chloride caused histopathological and ultra structural lesions in the kidney. Plants are considered to be a promising source of medicine in the traditional health care system. They have stood the test of time for their safety, efficacy, cultural acceptability and lesser side effects. The chemical constituents present in them are responsible for the physiological functions of living flora and hence they are believed to have better compatibility with thehuman body.

 Keeping therefore in view, the growing interest of the use of herbal drugs the present study was undertaken with a view to evaluate the Protective effect of  root tuber of Smilax china (Linn) against mercuric chloride intoxication in kidney.

METHODS: The animals were divided in to 5 groups for phase I of Study.

 i)control

1. ii) High dose Mercury (1mg/Kg/BW)

 iii) low dose Mercury (0.5mg/Kg/BW)

1. iv) High doseMercury ( 1mg/Kg/BW) and Smilax china 400mg/Kg/BW

v)Low dose mercury (0.5mg/Kg/BW) and Smilax china 400mg/Kg/BW) for period of 30days orally.

The animals were sacrified and the Histopathological analysis of kidney  were done.

 Phase II was Carried out for 15 days.

Out of 8 animals in Group2 and 3 only 4 animals were sacrificed, and other 4 animals in each of those group is taken for phase two of the study for a period of 15days.

Group VI -  Post treatment with Smilax china 400mg/kg/BW orally( 15 days )  after receiving Mercuric chloride 1mg/kg/BW orally for 30days.

Group VII -  Post treatment with Smilax china 400mg/kg/BW orally( 15 days )  after receiving Mercuric chloride 1mg/kg/BW orally for 30days.

 Group VIII -  Post treatment with Smilax china 400mg/kg/BW orally( 15 days )  after receiving Mercuric chloride 1mg/kg/BW orally for 30days. Group IX -  Post treatment with Smilax china 400mg/kg/BW orally( 15 days )  after receiving Mercuric chloride 1mg/kg/BW orally for 30days.

RESULTS: Animals treated orally with Mercury chloride shows  tubular Necrosis in lumen,  sloughing of epithelium in the  lumen , and Haemorrghaic changes in the glomeruli. They also exhibited high levels of Urea and creatinine in the blood. Animals treated Prophylatically with Smilax china shows decreased   tubular necrosis with  few normal tubules, occasional haemorrghic changes and there is no detachment of the epithelial cells, showing the Protective effect of Smilax china on Merucric chloride intoxication on  Renal Tissue .

CONCLUSION:Hence Smilax china can be used as a drug of choice  to protect the kidney from Mercuric chloride intoxication  when affect with  low dose concentration as prophylatixc and  as Treatment.  The study supports the ancient traditional review that Smilax china can be used in condition  hyperuricemia and chronic renal failure.