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NEPHROPROTECTIVE POTENTIAL OF LEMON PEEL EXTRACT IN FEMALE ALBINO RATS EXPOSED TO LEAD ACETATE TOXICITY

Authors: Mona Abd El-Rhman Ibrahim¹ & Sherif Rabea Mohamed¹*

Published 30 December 2025 Volume 3:2 Pages 260-275

Checked for plagiarism Yes

Peer reviewer comments 2

¹Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt

*Correspondence: Asherifrabea@science.helwan.edu.eg

Abstract

The present study investigated the nephroprotective potential of lemon peel extract (LPE) against kidney toxicity resulting from exposure to lead acetate (LA) in female albino rats, with a focus on haematological, biochemical, oxidative stress, and histopathological parameters. This investigation was designed to evaluate the nephroprotective role of LPE in countering LA‑mediated kidney damage, leveraging its antioxidant properties to mitigate oxidative stress and tissue injury.

Forty rats were divided into four groups: control, LPE-only, LA-only, and co-treatment. Haematological parameters (RBC, WBC, haemoglobin, and platelets), Measurements included kidney operation tests (blood urea, creatine compound, urinary uric level), oxidation pressure signs (glutathione, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde), plus tissue architecture shifts seen via haematoxylin‑eosin preparation.

The outcomes demonstrated that LA exposure induced significant anaemia (↓RBC and haemoglobin), inflammation (↑WBC), along with renal impairment (higher readings for urea, creatinine, plus uric acid; P ≤ 0.05). In addition, LA diminished GSH together with SOD readings, while elevating MDA readings (P ≤ 0.05). Conversely, LPE co-treatment effectively reversed these alterations, restoring haematological parameters, improving renal function biomarkers, and normalising antioxidant defences (P ≤ 0.05). Histopathological examination confirmed the protective effect of LPE, revealing reduced tubular degeneration and glomerular atrophy. In conclusion, LPE demonstrated potent nephroprotective and antioxidant effects against LA-induced toxicity, likely due to its bioactive flavonoids, underscoring its promise as a plant-derived treatment option for alleviating kidney injury caused by lead exposure.