Nephroprotective Effects of Berberis Vulgaris L. Total Extract on Lead Acetate-induced Toxicity in Mice

This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of Berberis vulgaris L. against lead acetate- induced nephrotoxicity in Swiss albino mice. Mice were exposed chronically to lead acetate, at a dose of 5 mg/kg, alone or in conjunction with B. vulgaris extract (25, 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg). Lead acetate administration increased lead burden in blood and kidneys, altered renal biomarkers (serum creatinine, urea and uric acid), increased malondialdehyde and protein carbonyls levels, and decreased reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. Histological studies showed glomerular degeneration and hypercellularity. However, B. vulgaris extract co-treatment significantly and dose-dependently restored the renal parameters, antioxidant enzymes, and histopathological changes near to the normal status, mainly via its antioxidant properties and/or by preventing lead bioaccumulation. Therefore, B. vulgaris extract showed nephroprotective effects against lead-induced nephrotoxicity mainly through its antioxidant and metal chelating properties.