Vitamin C Ameliorates Acrylamide-Induced Nephrotoxicity and Improves the Biochemical Parameters in Rats

Background & Objective: Acrylamide is a highly soluble, widely- produced industrial and cytotoxic material. Some substances with antioxidant properties can ameliorate the deleterious effect of acrylamide. Vitamin C is necessary for the normal functioning of all cells and scavenging the free radicals due to the antioxidant properties. The present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin C on the biochemical parameters and histological changes in the kidney tissue damage induced by acrylamide in rats. Materials & Methods: Forty rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=10): 1) the control group, 2) acrylamide group, 3) vitamin C group, and 4) acrylamide + vitamin C group. Histopathologic assessment (by Hematoxylin and Eosin (H& E) staining of the kidney tissue) was performed and biochemical parameters (serum malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), urea, and creatinine) were measured. Results: There was a significant enhancement in the serum urea, creatinine, and malondialdehyde levels in the acrylamide group compared to the other groups (P < 0.001). Serum TAC increased in the vitamin C group compared to the acrylamide + vitamin C and acrylamide groups (P ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: The present study showed that chronic consumption of acrylamide can lead to pathological changes in the kidney tissue as well as unfavorable alteration in serum urea, creatinine, TAC, and MDA levels. Concurrent vitamin C consumption had a significant preventive effect on the aforementioned parameters. Therefore, vitamin C can play a protective and antioxidant role in decreasing the toxic effects of acrylamide in rat kidneys.