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.