Hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects of Al-Taif Pomegranate (Punicagranatum L) extract against toxicity induced by Atrazine and Malathion pesticides in male albino mice

Reham Z. Hamza1,2*, Nahed A. H

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to elucidate the hepatoprotective activity of Al-TaifPomegranate peel extract (PPE) induced by atrazine (Atra) and malathion (Mal) toxicity in male mice by using biochemical assays (liver functions and antioxidant activities in liver and kidney homogenates). Male mice were divided into seven groups and treated intraperitoneallyas following: Negative control; Mal group (27 mg/kg); Atra group (120 mg/kg); PPE group (0.4 g/Kg);Mal + PPE group (27 mg/Kg + 0.4 g/Kg, respectively); Atra + PPE group (120mg/Kg + 0.4 g/Kg, respectively); Mal + Atra + PPE combined co-administration group.Biochemical results affordeda highlysignificant increase in the liver enzymes and kidney function parameters represented by AST,ALT, LDH, Urea andcreatinine for Mal or Atra groups, alsothey elicited significant increase in lipid peroxidation end product, MDA level in both liver and kidney homogenates. In contrast, co-administration of PPEandAtra and/or Mal-treated grouprestored almost most of these liver and kidney functions to normal levels. In conclusion, the present study suggested that Atra and Mal exposure lead to hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicityin malemice and concomitant treatment with Al-Taif Pomegranate extract restored and ameliorated the liver and kidney tissues from deleterious oxidative and toxic damage.