The protective effect of Buffalo's milk against toluene induced-nephrotoxicity in rats.

BACKGROUND: Toluene is widely used in different activities of industrial, commercial and household applications. It can cause damage to the human body. Buffalos' milk has a good nutritive value.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to examine the negative effects of toluene on kidney tissues and to investigate the protective effects of buffalo's milk against toluene-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty adult male Wistar rats (180-220 g weight) were randomly assigned to eight groups (n = 5). Animals in groups I to IV received oral gavage 1 mL distilled water (DH2 O) and groups V to VIII received oral gavage 1 mL buffalo's milk. Ten minutes later, animals were received toluene (i.p) at doses of 300 mg/kg (groups I and V), 600 mg/kg (groups of II and VI), and 900 mg/kg (groups of III and VII), respectively. The animals in groups IV (control) and VIII were injected vehicle (corn oil) only. The experiment repeated for seven consecutive days. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, animals were killed with overdose of sodium pentobarbital. Blood samples were analyzed for blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr). One part of the kidney tissues were excised for measuring the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR) and catalase (CAT) and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA). Another parts were excised for histopatholgical examination.

RESULTS: Administration of toluene to male rats produced dose-dependent damage in the kidney. This was noted by elevation of BUN, Cr and MDA levels. In contrast, diminished the CAT, GR and SOD enzyme activities in rats treated with toluene when compared to those in control animals. Histopathological manifestations were also observed in dose related manner in toluene-treated rats. Buffalo's milk had no effect on the biochemical parameters and kidney morphology when compared to those in control. However, it was able to prevent rat kidney against toluene toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrated that toluene damages kidney tissue and is a nephrotoxic substance. Buffalo's milk was able to prevent the renal damage as an antioxidant and a nephroprotective agent.