Introduction: Hemolytic anemia can cause systematic body dysfunctions. Hemoglobin clearance occurred by kidneys after saturation of natural scavenging systems. Broccoli extract is effective in treatment of human disorders as an antioxidant.
Aim: To assess the protective effect of Broccoli extract on renal cortical damage induced by hemolytic anemia.
Materials & Methods: Forty eight adult male rats were divided into five groups. Group I (control group): eighteen rats subdivided into three equal subgroups. Group II: twelve rats received Phenylhydrazine in a dose 60 mg/kg via intraperitoneal injection then divided into two equal subgroups. Group III: six rats received Broccoli extract 200 mg/kg via an oral gavage. Group IV: six rats' received Phenylhydrazine then Broccoli at a dose and route similar to the previous groups. Group V: six rats received Broccoli then Phenylhydrazine at a dose and route similar to the previous groups. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected then kidneys were sampled for histopathological and ultrastructural studies.
Results: Examination of renal cortex sections from group IIa showed shrunken glomerulus, thickened parietal layer of Bowman's capsule, shedding of the tubular epithelium, vacuolation, cellular infiltration and congested capillaries. Electron microscopic examination revealed disorganization of renal cortex. On the other hand, examination of group IV and V section showed apparent improvement in almost all layers
Conclusion: Broccoli extract had a protective effect better than the curative role against induced renal cortex damage by hemolytic anemia.