LAUSR

Abstract The present study was aimed at assessing therapeutic implications of kaempferol on histopathological and ultra structural changes against mercuric chloride (HgCl2)-induced nephrotoxicity in animal model. The oral effective dose of kaempferol (100 mg/kg body weight) was given once a day until the end of the study (45 days post-induction of nephrotoxicity) to HgCl2 -induced nephrotoxicity in albino rats. At the end of the experimental period, urinary marker enzymes, lipid profile, histopathological and electron microscopical studies were assessed in control and experimental animals. HgCl2 - intoxication showed altered levels of lipid profiles, a significant decline in urinary marker enzymes in renal cells and damage in renal tissues which signpost the HgCl2 -induced nephrotoxicity. The treatment with flavonoid, kaempferol normalized the altered levels of urinary marker enzymes, lipid parameters, histopathological as wells as electron microscopical changes caused by HgCl2. It is concluded from the present study that kaempferol may play a significant role in the management of nephrotoxicity. However, further studies need to be conducted to find out the molecular aspects of nephro-protective role of kaempferol to ascertain its potential.