Alterations in Kidney of Albino Rat due to Acrylamide Exposure and the Possible Protective Role of l-arginine (Biochemical, Histological, Immunohistochemical and Molecular Study)

Acrylamide (ACR): is an industrially conjugated reactive molecule that initiates cellular toxicity, induced oxidative stress and classified as a probable human carcinogen. L-arginine (L-Arg) produces nitric oxide (NO): that involved in vascular regulation, immune activity, and able to eliminate intracellular pathogens. This work conducted to evaluate nephrotoxicity of ACR and the possible protective role of L-Arg at biochemical, histopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular levels. Forty male rats were divided equally into four groups; control: received the ordinary water and diet. ACR: Animals were given a dose of ACR (50mg/kg/day): dissolved in water. ACR + L- Arg: Animals given the same dose of ACR together with L-Arg dissolved in water. L-Arg: Animals administered L-Arg by a dose of 200 mg/kg/day dissolved in water. The exposure period was a month. Kidneys were removed and prepared for histopathological, immunohistochemical studies (caspase3). Also, kidney specimens taken for real-time-PCR technique to measure p53 expression and comet assay. Blood samples were collected for kidney function detection. Animals exposed to ACR showed several histopathological lesions including glomerular shrinkage, loss of PCT brush borders, degeneration of renal epithelia, deposition of hyaline casts and necrotic areas in the renal parenchyma. significant increase in p53 expression, significant increase in caspase 3 activity in renal cells and increase in creatinine levels. However, urea levels recorded a significant decrease. Animals treated with L-Arg together with ACR showed a marked improvement in all these parameters towards the normal status. The study suggested that the administration of L-Arg provided a protective potential against ACR-nephrotoxicity.