Alterations of Aqueous Persea americana Seed Extract on Renal Functions Associated with Diabetes Mellitus in Wistar Rats
M. Egwaoje
Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria
A. A. Aigbiremolen
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria
R. N. Ativie
Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria
P. E. Ohwin
Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria
I. K. Aromose
Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria
M. O. Odigie *
epartment of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria
J. C. Igweh
Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Kidney, paired organ whose functions include removing waste products from the blood and regulating the amount of fluid (electrolytes and water) in the body. Life-threatening illnesses occur when too many of these waste products accumulate in the bloodstream. Fortunately, a healthy kidney can easily function by ridding the body of these substances. This study was undertaken to determine the effect that aqueous extract of Persea americana seed has on renal (kidney) functions in alloxan-induced, diabetic (hyperglycemic) wistar rats. Thirty-Five (35) Wistar rats (140 – 200 g) were assigned into seven groups of 5 rats each with group A serving as normal control. While Groups B and C were respectively treated with 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of Persea seed extract (Non-diabetic rats), groups D and E received Alloxan (diabetic control), and Alloxan (diabetic, then treated with 50 mg/kg of metformin). Groups F and G were diabetic rats which respectively received 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of Persea seed extract. After 28 days of administration, rats were sacrificed with blood samples collected via cardiac puncture for electrolytes, urea and creatinine evaluation. Result shows in diabetic untreated rats, an elevation in the concentrations of Na+, K+, Cl-, Mg2+, Urea and Creatinine. Somehow, these levels significantly decreased at P<0.05 in rats that were treated with Persea americana seed extracts. No significant change was seen in HCo3- concentrations of diabetic control as against normal control. Apparently, Persea americana is a potent hypoglycemic agent, capable of ameliorating altered renal function associated with diabetes mellitus.
Keywords: Alloxan, diabetes, hyperglycaemia, hypoglycaemia, kidney, renal function