A Study of the Protective Efficacy of Spirulina Algae Powder Against Biochemical Changes in Rats Treated with Cadmium Chloride

Abstract

The current study investigates ithe protective role of Spirulina platensis algae powder against oxidative stress caused by exposure to cadmium chloride in laboratory white rats Rattus norvegicus. The study was conducted from May (2023) to April (2024) at the University of Karbala / College of Education for Pure Sciences / Department of Biology. In this experiment (18) rats, Weighed (190-230g) with Age range of Fourteen weeks were  divided systematically into three groups (6 for each). The first group was considered a negative control, where water and fodder were given freely. The second group (G2) was considered a positive control, treated withan aqueous solution of cadmium chloride at a dose of 1 mg/kg of body weight. The third group (G3) was considered a protective group, where Spirulina algae powder was given in does of 177 mg/kg. After three hours, it was given Cadmium chloride solution. At the end of the experimental period (30 days), the animals were anesthetized with chloroform in the closed method, then take blood from their heart and then stored until blood and biochemical parameter were performed.                                                                           

The results of the current study showed that oral administration of cadmium chloride solution for 30 days to group (G2) led to a morale boost at the level (P < 0.05) in the liver enzymes level (ALP, ALT, (AST) as well as urea, creatinine, and blood electrolytes (K.Ca, Na).   A decrease in the level (GSH), (CAT) and (SOD) was observed when compared to the (G1). As for the preventive role, the results showed that dosing the animals with Spirulina algae powder for a period of three hours before giving the animals the aqueous solution of cadmium chloride contributed to changing the aforementioned results by reducing the toxic effect of the cadmium chloride solution, as a significant decrease was observed at the level (P < 0.05) in the Liver enzymes level and kidney parameters when compared with (G2), and (G1). Antioxidant enzymes (GSH, SOD, CAT) increased in the above groups.