DANDELION (TARAXACUM OFFICINALE) LEAVES PROTECTS AGAINST CHROMIUM-INDUCED NEPHROTOXICITY AND GENOTOXICITY IN RATS

Mbarka Hfaiedh*, Dalel Brahmi and Lazhar Zourgui

ABSTRACT

Chromium is a toxic and carcinogenic compound widely distributed in environment. In this study dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) leaves extract (TOE) was evaluated for its antioxidant and antigenotoxicity efficacy against sodium dichromate-induced kidney injury. The modulatory effects of TOE upon sodium dichromate-induced renal dysfunction and genotoxicity in Wistar albino rat model were investigated by assaying oxidative stress biomarkers, serum kidney toxicity markers, DNA fragmentation and chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow cells. Our results clearly showed that sodium dichromate induced significant alterations in all tested oxidative stress markers. In addition, it induced DNA damage as indicated by DNA fragmentation and chromosomal aberrations. On the other hand pre-treatment with TOE was found to provide significant protection against sodium dichromate-induced nephrotoxicity by inhibiting lipid peroxidation, preserving normal antioxidant activities and protecting the renal tissues from lesions and DNA damage. Present findings suggest a prominent role of TOE against sodium dichromate-induced kidney dysfunction and genotoxicity.

Keywords: Dandelion; Sodium dichromate; Chemoprevention; Kidney; Antioxidant enzymes; Chromosome aberration.