Examining the Histological and Stereological Alterations, Along with Oxidative Stress Markers, in the Kidney Tissues of Male Rats Subjected to Copper Sulfate Toxicity and Treated with Ascorbic Acid

Objective: There is increasing evidence that excessive exposure to copper sulfate (Cu2+) can cause detrimental effects on various human organs, with a notable concentration of this substance found in the kidneys. This study was to evaluate the impact of intraperitoneal administration of Cu2+ at a dose of 10 mg/kg and investigate the protective effects of Vitamin C, administered at 80 and 100 mg/kg, on the kidneys of male Wistar rats for 10 days, with injections given once a day for one minute. Materials and Methods: Changes in renal histological, stereological, and biochemical parameters were evaluated. Results: The intraperitoneal administration of Cu2+ at 10 mg/kg, unlike Vitamin C (80 and 100 mg/kg), resulted in significant histological and stereological changes in the kidneys of male Wistar rats. These changes included vascular hyperemia, extensive hemorrhage, tissue atrophy, and a reduction in the volume of the left kidney (p < 0.05). Furthermore, exposure to Cu2+ resulted in oxidative stress, as indicated by a reduction in SOD activity and an elevation in MDA levels in the right kidney (p < 0.05). Notably, the higher dose of Vitamin C mitigated the adverse effects of Cu2+ on the histological, stereological, and biochemical parameters compared to the Cu2+-only group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results proposed that co-treatment with Vitamin C may reverse Cu2+-induced alterations and provide a significant protective effect.