Background: Chromium is a heavy metal used in painting, dyes, and leather tanning industries. Potassium dichromate Cr6+ has demonstrated ability to induce nephrotoxicity
associated with oxidative stress in humans and animals. Ginseng is one of the most
popular herbal remedies, with a wide range of beneficial therapeutic effects.
Objective:The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of potassium dichromate on the
convoluted tubules of adult male albino rats and the possible protective role of ginseng.
Materials and methods: Forty adult male rats were divided equally into four groups (10 rats for each): Group I was the control group. In group II (the ginseng group), rats received a daily oral dose of ginseng at 100 mg/kg body weight/day by means of a gastric tube for 3 weeks.
In group III (the potassium dichromate group), rats received a single subcutaneous injection of potassium dichromate at 15 mg/kg body weight. In group IV (the potassium dichromate and ginseng group), rats received potassium dichromate and ginseng for 3 weeks. Kidney specimens were prepared for light microscopic examination (H&E), Masson’s trichrome staining, and for immunohistochemical detection of caspase-3. Semithin and ultrathin sections were prepared for electron microscopic examination.
Results
Group III showed degeneration and necrosis of cells of the renal tubules (proximal
and distal) with tubular dilatation, an increase in collagen fibers around degenerated
convoluted tubules, and cell apoptosis (highly expressed caspase-3). Electron
microscopic results showed marked disrupted brush border of proximal convoluted
tubules and disturbance of the basal infoldings of distal convoluted tubules. The
cytoplasm had mitochondria that were irregular in shape and variable in size and
large electron-dense particles. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum membrane
revealed whorly appearance around the degenerated organelles. Group IV showed
improvement in the light and electron microscopic changes described before.
Conclusion
Ginseng has a protective effect against potassium dichromate-induced nephrotoxicity
as it has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities. We advice
the workers who deal with chromium to take enough doses of ginseng to protect
themselves from its side effects.