Abstract
Background Lead is a dangerous systemic toxicant and can provoke life-threatening renal injury. The plan of this study was to evaluate the potential impact of curcumin (CRMN) and l-ascorbic acid (l-ascb) alone or together to counteract lead acetate (Pb-acetate)-induced renal damage in rats and to find out the underlying mechanisms of action of these nutraceuticals. Methods Pb-acetate (100 mg/kg/day, i.p.) was injected in male rats along with l-ascb (250 mg/kg/day) and/or CRMN (200 mg/kg/day) orally for 7 days. Results Pb-acetate administration increased serum urea, creatinine and uric acid. Renal tissue showed a marked depletion in reduced glutathione level and superoxide dismutase activity and elevation in nitric oxide and malondialdehyde levels. Serum C-reactive protein and IL-1 beta levels were elevated. Up-regulation of the expression of kidney injury molecule, vascular adhesion molecule-1 and Cystatin C were noticed after Pb-acetate administration. DNA fragmentation was also increased in renal tissues. Histopathological examination revealed a destructed partial layer of Bowman's capsule, proximal and distal convoluted tubules. Treatment with the aforementioned antioxidants ameliorated most of the altered measured biomarker levels. Conclusion Interestingly, the combination of l-ascb and CRMN showed the superlative protective effect against Pb-acetate-induced nephrotoxicity.