ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Protective Potential of Quercetin on Cd-Induced
Hepatorenal Damage
Azza Sedky1, Fayza Mahboub2, Hany Elsawy3, 4, Rania Eid5
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1Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
2Biology Department, Faculty of Applied Science, Umm-Al Qura University, King Saudi Arabia
3Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
4Chemistry Department,College of Science, King Faisal University,
Al Ahsaa, P.B. Box 380, Hufof 31982, Saudi Arabia
5Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Aswan University
Submission date: 2016-11-29
Final revision date: 2017-01-03
Acceptance date: 2017-02-13
Online publication date: 2017-08-28
Publication date: 2017-09-28
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2017;26(5):2197-2205
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ABSTRACT
Industrial and environmental pollution are sources of cadmium (Cd) exposure that cause serious health
hazards. In this work we investigated the protective effect of quercetin on Cd-induced hepatorenal damage
in rats. Cd toxicity was confirmed by evaluating its level in serum and tissues. Liver function enzymes,
bilirubin, albumin, creatinine, uric acid, and urea were assessed in serum. However, lipid peroxidation and
the activity of the antioxidant enzymes were examined in tissues. In addition, liver and kidney were studied
histologically. Our results showed that the concentration of Cd was higher in tissues of Cd-treated rats while
in the Cd and quercetin co-treated group, the Cd concentration was significantly reduced. Co-administration
of Cd with quercetin improved the liver function as evident by the reduced levels of ALP, ALT, AST,
bilirubin, and the increase in concentration of total protein and albumin. Also, kidney restored its normal
function as well as lipid peroxidation, and the antioxidant enzymes partially restored their normal values.
In addition, the protective effect of quercetin on the hepatorenal damage induced by Cd was confirmed
histologically. In conclusion, quercetin treatment may provide protection against the damages induced by
Cd exposure.