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

Introduction: 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. Methods: 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). Results: 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. Conclusion: FPO demonstrated anti-anaemic effect and improved the impaired renal function associated with PHZ-induced anaemia.