Fresh palm oil improves impaired renal function in phenylhydrazine-induced anaemic Wistar rats via its anti-anaemic effect and modulation of expressions of pro-oxidant/antioxidants, inflammatory cytokines and caspase-3 in the kidneys

Phenylhydrazine (PHZ)-induced anaemia is associated with oxidative damage to erythrocytes and impaired renal function. Fresh palm oil (FPO) is a rich source of antioxidants and preserves renal function. This study investigated the possible reno-protective effects of FPO in PHZ-induced anaemic Wistar rats.

Eighteen male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into normal control (NC), anaemic control (AC; 60mg/kg of PHZ) and anaemic treated (A+FPO; 60mg/kg of PHZ + 15% FPO diet) groups. PHZ was administered twice consecutively at 48h interval while FPO diet was given throughout the study period (14 days).

Erythrocyte count, haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit were increased in A+FPO compared with AC. FPO improved imbalances in the levels of glucose and electrolytes (Na+, Cl-, K+, HCO3-) in serum and urine of the anaemic rats. Urea and creatinine concentrations were decreased in serum and increased in urine in the A+FPO relative to AC. Proteinuria was decreased in A+FPO compared with AC. The levels of malondialdehyde, proinflammatory cytokines and caspase-3 were down-regulated in A+FPO compared with AC while interleukin-10 concentration, enzymatic antioxidants activities and total antioxidant capacity were up-regulated in A+FPO compared with AC.

FPO demonstrated anti-anaemic effect and improved the impaired renal function associated with PHZ-induced anaemia.