ABSTRACT
Cranberry extract has been found to be associated with the several therapeutic properties. In the current study, we have used cranberry extract as an ameliorating agent against nephrotoxic effects of potassium dichromate. Potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) is a soluble hexavalent chromium compound that is extensively used in several industries. The present study was to evaluate renal protective effects of cranberry extract (75 and 150mg/kg.b.w. against potassium dichromate-induced renal toxicity. Administration of K2Cr2O7 (0.4 mg/kg.b.w.) led to significant increase in plasma urea, creatinine, uric acid, cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) as well as plasma and renal (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) TBARs. Also, treatment of rats with K2Cr2O7 led to significant decrease in serum and renal GSH, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) as well as plasma HDL-C, sodium, potassium, plasma protein and albumin. The obtained results revealed that cranberry extract (75 and 150mg/kg.b.w.) prevents renal tissue damage through increasing of GSH, SOD and CAT activities and decrease significantly TBARs level. These results suggest that, cranberry may be effective in enhances the protection of renal toxicity by its radical scavenging effect and antioxidant activity.