Protective Effects of Garlic Against Cadmium Nephrotoxicity in Rats: Modulation of Inflammatory Markers and Apoptosis | ||
| Egyptian Journal of Chemistry | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 11 October 2025 | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejchem.2025.421678.12318 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Heba H. Tarabay* 1; Abdel-Aziz A. F.1; Manar E. Elkady2; Ahmed Samy2; Mona Abdel-Rahim2; Bedeir Ali-El-Dein3 | ||
| 1Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry Division, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt | ||
| 2Urology and Nephrology Center, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt | ||
| 3Urology and Nephrology Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt. | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Background: Cadmium (Cd), a toxic heavy metal that impairs kidney function, causes nephrotoxicity. Garlic is recognized for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying effects. This study compared the protective and therapeutic roles of garlic against Cd-induced nephrotoxicity. Methods: Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four equal groups: control, Cd, garlic treatment, and garlic protection. The Cd group received CdCl₂ (5 mg/kg BW, thrice weekly). The garlic treatment group received Cd plus 7% ground garlic diet. The garlic protection group was pretreated with garlic for 2 weeks before and during Cd exposure. The study lasted 8 weeks. Kidney and serum samples were analyzed for biochemical and molecular parameters. Results: Cadmium exposure caused renal Cd accumulation, elevated creatinine and BUN levels, increased oxidative stress markers (8-OHdG, isoprostanes, MDA), and upregulated expression of TNF-α, NF-κB, and Bax, along with reduced activity of GSH, SOD, and CAT and decreased BCL-2 expression. Garlic supplementation normalized creatinine, BUN, oxidative stress levels, and expression of TNF-α, NF-κB, Bax, and BCL-2, while enhancing antioxidant defenses (GSH, SOD, and CAT), with more pronounced effects observed in the prophylactic group. Conclusion: Garlic demonstrates both protective and therapeutic effects against Cd-induced nephrotoxicity in rats, with the protective role appearing more effective. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity; garlic; oxidative stress; inflammation; apoptosis | ||
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