Amelioration of liver and kidney functions disorders induced by sodium nitrate in rats using wheat germ oil

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of sodium nitrate administration on some biochemical parameters and to explore the ability of Wheat germ oil (WGO) as a natural source of antioxidants to minimize the deleterious effects of sodium nitrate.The results showed significant increase in alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and significant decrease in butyryl cholinestersea (BChE) content in hepatic tissue in nitrate group as compared to control and wheat germ oil groups through the experimental period. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) accompanied by significant decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) content in rat renal tissue after 28 and 42 days of treatment with drinking water containing sodium nitrate. Significant decrease was also observed in serum estradiol (E2) in group treated with nitrate through the experimental period. In addition, microscopically examination of renal tissue showed atrophy of glomerular tuft and congestion of renal blood vessels in nitrate treated group. Administration of WGO to rats with sodium nitrate suggesting role of WGO as a natural protective antioxidant agent in hepatic and renal tissues. WGO also stimulates estrogen secretion and inhibits oxidative damage that may be attributed to the presence of biologically active components (unsaturated fatty acids, unsaponifible matters and sterols matters) as antioxidant and cyto-protective activities.It can be concluded that WGO offers a great advantage for therapeutic purpose to minimized sodium nitrate free radical induced cell damage.