Vitamin C attenuates potassium dichromate-induced nephrotoxicity and alterations in renal brush border membrane enzymes and phosphate transport in rats

Background: Exposure to chromium compounds can result in nephrotoxicity. The administration of potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7), a hexavalent chromium compound, results in impairment in functions of renal brush border membrane (BBM). Methods: The effect of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) on K2Cr2O7-induced nephrotoxicity, changes in BBM enzymes, Pi transport and the anti-oxidant status of rat kidney were studied. Animals were divided into 4 groups and were intraperitoneally given saline (control), vitamin C alone, K2Cr2O7 alone and vitamin C plus K2Cr2O7. Nephrotoxicity was evaluated by urea and creatinine levels in the serum. Anti-oxidant status was evaluated in kidney homogenates. Results: A single dose of K2Cr2O7 (15 mg/kg body weight) resulted in an increase of serum urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, increase in lipid peroxidation and decrease in total sulfhydryl groups. However, prior treatment with a single dose of vitamin C (250 mg/kg body weight) protected the kidney from the damaging effects of K2Cr2O7. It greatly ameliorated the K2Cr2O7-induced nephrotoxicity and reduction in Pi transport, activities of catalase, Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase and BBM enzymes. This was accompanied by decrease in lipid peroxidation and recovery of sulfhydryl content of renal cortex. Conclusions: Vitamin C is an effective chemoprotectant against K2Cr2O7-induced acute renal failure and dysfunction of the renal BBM in rats. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.