Prominent nephroprotective effect of methanolic Broccoli (Brassica olaracea var. italica) extract on oxidative lead damage in mice kidney: Biochemical parameters and pathological changes

Exposure to Lead causes oxidative stress and thereby reduces the antioxidant capacity of the cells. Broccoli is a well-known important source of antioxidant and mineral compounds. Here, we investigated the antioxidant potency of methanolic extract of broccoli in preventing renal toxicity. NMRI mice in the control group were given normal drinking water and the T1 experimental group received 500 ppm lead acetate in drinking water. The T2, T3, and T4 experimental groups received 300, 400 and 500 mg/kg of broccoli methanolic extract, respectively. On the last day, biochemical parameters and oxidative stress were measured in the kidney. Kidney tissue was used for preparation of sections and pathological studies. The highest concentrations of biochemical parameters in T1 showed a significant difference in comparison with the control and T4 groups (P <0.01). TAC, CAT, and SOD in T1 showed the lowest level, whereas the highest concentration of TAC and SOD were in T4 ( P=0.032). MDA in T1 was 20.85 +/- 0.270 nmol/mg and the difference with T4 was remarkable (P <0.001). The highest score of pathological damage to the renal tissue was in T1 and the lowest damage in T4. There was a significant difference between T4 compared to the control group (P=0.034). Over all, the methanolic extract of Broccoli (Brassica olaracea, var. italica) at 500 mg/kg exhibited significant nephroprotective effects against injuries caused by lead acetate in drinking water.