Ameliorative action of Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit extract on the kidney of Swiss mice following chronic dietary salt intake

Abstract

Background & Aims: Dietary salt is a common compound used for both food and non-food purposes. It is beneficial to the bodies of animals due to its electrolyte composition, which is necessary for several metabolic processes. However, higher quantities in the body can have deleterious effects on vital tissues. To manage such adverse effects on the kidney, the present study investigated the role of an antioxidant-rich plant, Tetrapleura tetraptera, on kidney function and structure in Swiss mice. Materials & Methods: Twenty-five Swiss mice were equally divided into groups: control, dietary salt only, and dietary salt with interventions of T. tetraptera at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg, and Losartan. The administrations were by oral gavage, and lasted for eight weeks. Upon sacrifice, serum creatinine, electrolytes, kidney histology, and collagen were studied. Results: The Swiss mice gained weight in the dietary salt group, but the kidney somatic indices and serum creatinine levels were not affected. However, serum sodium ion levels were significantly (p < 0.05) higher, while there was no difference in serum chloride, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium ions. Kidney histology showed hypertrophied glomeruli with reduced Bowman’s capsular spaces and less collagen distribution. The T. tetraptera groups at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg showed improved renal function with reduced sodium levels, improved glomerular appearance, and collagen distribution compared to the control. Conclusion: T. tetraptera at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg demonstrated ameliorative or protective effects against the adverse impacts of dietary salt intake.

Keywords

• collagen
• creatinine
• electrolytes
• glomerulus
• sodium chloride
• tetrapleura tetraptera