Possible protective effect of Almond Oil on Lithium Induced Renal Toxicity in the Adult Male Albino Rat

Background: Lithium carbonate is a common drug used in prolonged management of manic-depressive disorders however, it has been documented to induce progressive renal dysfunction. Oxidative stress has an important role in development of renal disorders due to lithium treatment. Almond oil is known to has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, anxiolytic, sedative–hypnotic and nervous-improving effects.Objectives: This investigation aimed to examine the potential protective impact of almond oil against lithium-induced kidney damage in adult male albino rats for the 1st time, to our knowledge, with regard to several underlying mechanisms.Methods: 50 adult male albino rats have been classified into: Group I (control group) (n = 20), was equally classified into 2 subgroups: subgroup (Ia): (n = 10), kept on normal diet with no treatment and subgroup (Ib): (n = 10), received distilled water at a dose of 0.5ml/100g/daily, intraperitoneally. Group II (almond oil group) (n = 10), received almond oil 800 mg/kg/daily via gastric tube. Group III (lithium group) (n = 10): received 25 mg/kg of lithium carbonate dissolved in distilled water, intraperitoneally, twice/day. Group IV (protected group) (n = 10): received lithium carbonate and almond oil at the same dosage and route. At the end of experiment (30 days), blood samples and renal sections underwent biochemical, histological and immunohistochemical studies. Results: Lithium group demonstrated a significant elevation in urea and creatinine levels, additionally, increased MDA and reduced SOD levels compared with control group. kidney sections demonstrated glomerular degeneration and inflammatory cell infiltration. Renal tubules showed dilatation and necrosis. Furthermore, increase in the percentage of collagen deposition. Immunoreactions of αSMA, Bax and iNOS were upregulated. Almond oil improved all assessed parameters via its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Conclusion: There is a significant potential for almond oil as a protective agent against lithium induced renal toxicity.