Examining the Histological and Stereological Alterations, Along with Oxidative Stress Markers, in the Kidney Tissues of Male Rats Subjected to Copper Sulfate Toxicity and Treated with Ascorbic Acid

چکیده مقاله

Abstract: Objective: There is increasing evidence that excessive exposure to copper sulfate (Cu²⁺) can cause detrimental effects on various human organs, with a notable concentration of this substance found in the kidneys. This study was to evaluate the impact of intraperitoneal administration of Cu²⁺ at a dose of 10 mg/kg and investigate the protective effects of Vitamin C, administered at 80 and 100 mg/kg, on the kidneys of male Wistar rats for 10 days, with injections given once a day for one minute. Materials and Methods: Changes in renal histological, stereological, and biochemical parameters were evaluated. Results: The intraperitoneal administration of Cu²⁺ at 10 mg/kg, unlike Vitamin C (80 and 100 mg/kg), resulted in significant histological and stereological changes in the kidneys of male Wistar rats. These changes included vascular hyperemia, extensive hemorrhage, tissue atrophy, and a reduction in the volume of the left kidney (p < 0.05). Furthermore, exposure to Cu²⁺ resulted in oxidative stress, as indicated by a reduction in SOD activity and an elevation in MDA levels in the right kidney (p < 0.05). Notably, the higher dose of Vitamin C mitigated the adverse effects of Cu²⁺ on the histological, stereological, and biochemical parameters compared to the Cu²⁺-only group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results proposed that co-treatment with Vitamin C may reverse Cu²⁺-induced alterations and provide a significant protective effect. © Pleiades Publishing, Ltd. 2025.