Introduction: Carbon Tetra Chloride (CCl4`) is a chemical toxin that induces oxidative stress. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring antioxidant present in meat, fish, nuts.
Aim of the Work: Was to assess the protective effect of CoQ10 on Kidney injury following the exposure to Carbon Tetra Chloride (CCl4`).
Materials and Methods: Forty-four adult male albino rats divided into three groups. Group I(control) included 24rats, Group II (CCl4-treated group): included10 rats that were injected intraperitoneally with CCl4 solution at a dose of 0.1 ml / 100 gm B.W. twice weekly for 2 weeks. Group III (CCl4+ CoQ10-treated group): included 10 rats that were received concomitant intraperitoneal injections of CCl4 at the same doses and the same duration as in group II, in addition to CoQ10 at a dose of 10 mg/kg B.W./day. At the end of experiment, all the rats were sacrificed; the kidneys were dissected and processed for microscopic examination (LM&EM). Immunostaining for iNos was done. The results were statistically analyzed.
Results: CCl4 induce marked distortion of the renal cortical architecture. LM examination showed hypercellularity of glomerular tuft with obliteration of capsular space. Adhesion of the glomerular tuft to parietal layer of Bowman's capsule occurred. Also effacement of the foot process of podocyte was detected by EM. Renal cortical tubules revealed degenerative and necrotic changes. Interstitial tissue showed mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltrate and consequently fibrosis. This was confirmed by significant increase in area% of collagen fibers. INos immunostaining showed significant increase in CCL4 treated group compared to the control and treated groups. Serum BUN& creatinine revealed statistically significant increase in group II compared to group I &III. All these changes were ameliorated by administration of CoQ10 (group III).
Conclusions: CoQ10 can protect against CCl4-induced kidney injury.