This study investigates the biochemical and molecular effects of Lactuca sativa (lettuce) on diuresis induced experimentally in rats using furosemide. Diuresis, characterized by excessive urine production, is associated with various factors such as diet, diuretics, diabetes, and temperature.
There were four groups of forty male rats (10 in each). Group I, or the normal control group, was given no medication and was injected with a saline dose of 40 mg/kg for 30 days. Group II, or the L. sativa group, was given a 30-day oral dosage of 150 mg/kg b.w. Group III, or the furosemide group, received an intraperitoneal injection of 40 mg/kg b.w. of furosemide for 30 days in order to induce diuresis. Group IV, an orally administered L. sativa treatment group, had rats receive an injection of 40 mg/kg b.w. of furosemide every 30 days. Next, 150 mg/kg b.w. of L. sativa was administered to all of these rats.
Results showed that furosemide induced significant changes in serum electrolyte levels, kidney function tests, hormonal levels, inflammatory markers, and cardiac function tests. However, L. sativa treatment in diuretic rats demonstrated a mitigating effect, normalizing several parameters. The gene expression of ACE and Renin was downregulated in the L. sativa-treated group.
In conclusion, L. sativa exhibited potential benefits in maintaining electrolyte balance and kidney function in diuretic-induced rats. These findings suggest a potential therapeutic role for L. sativa in conditions involving electrolyte imbalances and renal dysfunction, warranting further investigation, including clinical studies in human subjects.