Mitigation of Cadmium-induced Renal Damage by Meso-2,3-Dimercaptosuccinic Acid and Spirulina: A Comparative Study

INTRODUCTION: Industrial expansion increases human exposure to Cadmium (Cd), a heavy metal that accumulates in the kidneys, causing tubular injury and chronic kidney disease. This study evaluates the chelating effects of meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) and spirulina's protective role against Cd-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. METHODS: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats (6-7 weeks old, 200-250 g) were randomly divided into five groups (n = 8/group): (1) Control group received distilled water; (2) Cd group received cadmium chloride (5 mg/kg body weight) orally, three times/week for 6 weeks; (3) Cd + DMSA group received DMSA (50 mg/kg) orally, daily for 2 weeks following Cd exposure; (4) Spirulina treatment group received spirulina (1 g/kg) orally, daily alongside Cd; (5) Spirulina protection group received spirulina 2 weeks before and throughout Cd exposure. Renal function markers, oxidative stress indicators (8-OHdG, isoprostane, MDA), antioxidant enzymes (GSH, SOD, CAT), and gene expression of inflammatory (TNF-α, NF-κB), apoptotic (Bax), anti-apoptotic (BCL-2), and detoxification (MT1) markers were assessed. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test, with significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Cd exposure significantly impaired renal function, increased oxidative stress, and upregulated pro-inflammatory and apoptotic markers (p < 0.05). Both DMSA and spirulina significantly mitigated these effects, with prophylactic spirulina showing the most significant improvements. DISCUSSION: Administering DMSA and spirulina effectively mitigates Cd-induced nephrotoxicity and helps restore normal kidney function. CONCLUSION: Spirulina and DMSA demonstrate protective effects against cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity. Spirulina, particularly when used prophylactically, potentially offering superior renal protection.