Edobor Obayuwana
, Endurance Osakioduwa Imafidon
, Joseph Raymond Enoghase
* , Martha Odion Obayuwana
, Ubor Wilfred Oghoghomena
Abstract
Background and aims: Nickel chloride (NiCl₂) is an environmental toxicant known to induce oxidative stress and renal dysfunction. Natural products with antioxidant properties, such as Telfairia occidentalis, may provide protective effects. This study investigated the nephroprotective potential of T. occidentalis aqueous fruit extract against NiCl₂-induced renal toxicity in adult Wistar rats. Methods: Twenty-four adult female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 6): Control, NiCl₂ (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), T. occidentalis + NiCl₂, and T. occidentalis only. T. occidentalis aqueous fruit extract was administered orally by gavage at 200 mg/kg once daily. Body weight, kidney weight, renal function indices (urea, creatinine), serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride), oxidative stress markers (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], glutathione [GSH], malondialdehyde [MDA]), and kidney histology were assessed. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference post hoc test. Results: NiCl₂ exposure significantly reduced body weight and antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GSH) while increasing MDA levels and renal biomarkers (urea, creatinine, sodium, chloride) compared with controls (p < 0.05). Histopathology revealed glomerular distortion, widened Bowman’s space, tubular necrosis, and vascular congestion. Co-administration of T. occidentalis extract significantly improved antioxidant status, normalized renal biomarkers, and preserved renal histoarchitecture, comparable to control animals. Conclusion: Aqueous extract of T. occidentalis effectively mitigates NiCl₂-induced nephrotoxicity through antioxidant and cytoprotective mechanisms. The findings suggest that T. occidentalis may serve as a natural protective agent against heavy-metal-induced renal damage