Potential Protective Role of Beta carotene on cadmium induced Brain and Kidney Damage

Abstract Introduction: Cadmium (Cd) is an industrial pollutant that affects the human health.The purpose of present study was to investigate the protective role of Beta carotene on cadmium induced brain and kidney damage. Materials and Method: The present study was conducted following approval from Institutional Bioethical Committee at Kasturba Medical college, Mangalore, MAHE and strict internationally accepted guidelines, for the usage of animals in experimental study were. Rats were divided into four groups with 6 rats in each. The Gr. I rats were administered with the single dose of normal saline intraperitoneally. Group II received Beta carotene (10 mg/kg bw) orally for 30 days. Group III received a single dose of 1 mg/kg bw cadmium chloride and Group IV received Beta carotene for 30 days prior to cadmium administration. After the desired protocol, rats were sacrificed and both the kidneys and brain were removed for biochemical and histopathological evaluation.The levels of lipid peroxides (LPO) and were detected in the tissue homogenates of the brain. Results: In the present study, the level of lipid peroxidation (LPO) was significantly high (P<0.001) in cadmium treated rats compared to normal control. Pre-treatment with beta carotene showed a protective effect by decreasing LPO (P<0.001). The serum level of urea and BUN was high in cadmium treated rats, Pre-treatment with beta carotene showed a protective effect by decreasing serum urea and BUN. There was significant decrease in the neuronal count in cadmium treated rats and pretreatment with beta carotene showed an increase in neuronal count Conclusion: Results of the present study showed the antioxidative role of beta carotene in protecting the brain and kidney from cadmium induced toxicity.