Modulatory Role of Zeolite against Cadmium Chloride-Induced Renal Damage In Pregnant Rats and Their Fetuses.

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal and a significant inorganic toxin that is commonly found throughout the environment. The human body, as well as the kidneys, tend to accumulate Cd. Research conducted on both humans and animals suggests that exposure to cadmium can lead to significant skeletal damage, specifically osteoporosis. Based on the prevalence of cadmium in the environment and its frequent use, we studied the effect of its toxicity on pregnant rat and their fetuses and the effect of zeolite on them. The experimental rats were divided into 5 groups (n=8, each). The 1st group received distilled water as a normal control group. The 2nd received tween80 and served as tween80 group. The 3rd was administrated with zeolite dissolved in tween80then in distilled water at a dose (100mg\kg\day). The 4th was administrated with cadmium chloride at dose (30mg\kg\day). The 5th was administrated with a combination of both zeolite and cadmium chloride. All groups were administered the materials orally from the 6th day to the 15th day of gestation. All animals were sacrificed at the end of gestation periods (on the 20th day). Our obtained results showed adverse histological alterations in maternal and fetal kidneys. Also, CdCl2 (cadmium chloride) induced remarkable changes in the levels of kidney functions.  On the other hand, results showed incomplete ossification of the skull, metacarpals, and phalanges of the toes of fetuses’ skeletons. Zeolite administration markedly ameliorated the altered renal histological and physiological changes as well as the skeletal deformity in fetuses induced by cadmium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]