Naringin Administration Mitigates Oxidative Stress, Anaemia and Hypertension in Lead Acetate-Induced Cardiorenal Dysfunction in Cockerel Chicks

Abstract Lead is one of the major pollutants in the world which is deleterious to both animals and humans. It is found in every aspect of the environment such as the air, water and soil. This pollutant affect both wild and domestic birds. Naringin is a flavonoid that has been found to have medicinal properties mostly because of its antioxidant and metal chelating effects. This study was carried out to investigate the protective effect of naringin against lead-induced anaemia, cardio and nephrotoxicity, oxidative stress, and hypertension. Thirty -six cockerel chicks were used for this study, and randomly grouped into six chicks per group; Group A served as the control, Group B received Pb only (300 ppm), Group C (Pb and naringin; 80 mg/kg), Group D (Pb and naringin; 160 mg/kg), Group E (naringin 80 mg/kg) and Group F (naringin 160 mg/kg), respectively for eight weeks. Lead (Pb) was administered via drinking water while Naringin was administered via oral gavage. Lead acetate intoxication precipitated anaemia as indicated by significant reductions in the values of PCV, RBC, and Hb concentration in lead-treated chicks when compared with the controls. Also, lead administration induced hypertension together with increased oxidative stress, depletion of the antioxidant defense system, reduced nitric oxide production and increase in high blood pressure. Immunohistochemistry indicated high expressions of cardiac troponin, renal angiotensin converting enzymes, and renal neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin. Treatment with naringin corrected anemia, reduced oxidative stress, improved antioxidant system, reduced high blood pressure, and offered protection against lead acetate-induced cardio-renal dysfunction in cockerel chicks.