Abstract

Background: Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites of the fungi Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Chronic aflatoxin exposure is associated with damage to many body organs including the kidneys. Aim of the work: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aflatoxin B1 on the renal convoluted tubules of adult male albino rats and to determine the possible protective role of ginseng.

Materials and methods: Thirty six adult male albino rats were divided into three groups; group I: control group, group II (Aflatoxin B1 treated group): Aflatoxin B1 was administered 250 microgram/kg body weight/day, 5 days/ week for 4 weeks by oral gavages. Group III (Aflatoxin B1-Ginseng treated group): received the same dose of Aflatoxin B1 simultaneously with ginseng at a rate of 100 mg/kg body weight, by oral gavage. Blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and uric acid were measured. Renal cortex samples from, were processed for light and electron microscope examination.

Results: Examination of Aflatoxin B1 treated group revealed deterioration of renal functions; various degrees of renal tubular affection in the form of vacuolated tubular cells and hyaline casts in the lumen of most tubules. Some tubular cells had small darkly stained nuclei while others had sloughed epithelial cells in their lumina. Weak positive cytoplasmic reaction of Bcl2 was detected in most renal tubular cells. These changes were markedly reduced with administration of ginseng in group III.

Conclusion: Aflatoxin leads to alterations in the histological structure and functions of renal convoluted tubules of albino rats and ginseng supplementation could be protective from these changes.

Keywords: Renal tubules; Aflatoxin B1; Ginseng; Bcl2