International Journal of Advances in Nephrology Research

Aim: To investigate the preventive potential of L-methionine against potassium bromate –induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

Study Design: Twenty male Wistar rats were used. The rats were divided into four groups containing five rats per group as follows; normal control, KBrO₃ control, L- methionine control and KBrO₃ group administered with 100mg/kg body weight of L- methionine for 48 hours.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical sciences, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria.

Methodology: Serum levels of urea, creatinine, uric acid and electrolytes were assayed using standard methods. In addition, the following markers of oxidative stress were determined in homogenates of renal cortex and medulla: catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Histopathological investigation was also carried out.

Results: Administration of KBrO₃ significantly (P<0.05) increases the serum levels of urea, creatinine, uric acid and electrolytes however co-administration of L-methionine resulted in decreases in concentrations of these kidney function parameters. Furthermore, there were significant (P<0.05) decreases in the activities of CAT, SOD, GPx and GSH level and a significant (P<0.05) increase in MDA concentration in renal homogenates following administration of KBrO₃ however concurrent administration of KBrO₃ and L-methionine prevented all these changes in oxidative stress markers. Histopathological studies revealed severe necrosis and changes in glomerulus.

Conclusion: L-methionine could prevent nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress caused by KBrO₃ and other structurally related compounds.