Garlic Mitigates Cadmium-Induced Renal Damage: A Histopathological Study in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry Division, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Egypt

2 Urology and Nephrology Center, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal that results from industrial pollution and accumulates mainly in the kidneys, causing cellular damage and impaired function, posing significant environmental and health risks worldwide.
Methods: Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four equal groups: a control group, a Cd group (receiving CdCl₂ at 5 mg/kg body weight three times weekly), a garlic treatment group (receiving CdCl₂ at 5 mg/kg body weight three times weekly along with a diet containing 7% ground garlic), and a garlic protection group (fed a 7% garlic-supplemented diet for two weeks before and during six weeks of Cd, with CdCl₂ at 5 mg/kg body weight three times weekly). Tissue samples were collected to measure Cd accumulation in renal tissue, expression of the metallothionein (MT) gene, and for histopathological examination.
Results: Cd accumulates in renal tissues, increasing the expression of the MT gene, with a positive correlation observed between the two variables (Pearson's; p<0.01). Treatment with garlic reduces MT expression, especially in the protective group. Histopathological examination of renal tissues revealed structural damage in the Cd-exposed group, characterized by tubular degeneration, glomerular atrophy, interstitial nephritis, and vascular congestion. Conversely, both garlic groups demonstrated marked improvement in renal histology. The garlic protection group showed near-normal histological features with minimal pathological alterations, suggesting garlic's potential nephroprotective effect against Cd-induced toxicity.
Conclusion: Garlic exhibits both detoxifying and protective effects against Cd-induced nephrotoxicity. Notably, its prophylactic action, when administered before Cd exposure, proved more effective than co-administration as a therapeutic approach.

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Mansoura Journal of Chemistry
Volume 68, Issue 4
December 2025
Pages 38-45

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