The Effect of Lactobacillus Fermentum against Lead-Induced Oxidative Damages in Rat Kidneys

Background: Kidneys are the most vulnerable organs with respect to oxidative stress caused by lead poisoning. In this study, renal biomarkers were investigated in rats, exposed to lead after treatment with or without Lactobacillus fermentum. Methods: Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups of five each as follows: a) control, b) lead-exposed, c) Lactobacillus fermentum–treated, and d) rats exposed to lead followed by  treatment with L. fermentum. After eight weeks of treatment, the renal biomarkers in blood and antioxidant factors in the kidneys were evaluated. The kidneys were also examined histopathologically for alterations due to lead exposure. Results: In lead-exposed rats, the creatinine, urea, uric acid, malondialdehyde, and tissue lead contents were significantly higher, while catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione levels were lower than those found in the controls. After treatment of lead-exposed rats with L. fermentum, the levels of these factors were significantly lower and the last two factors were higher compared to those of the lead-exposed group.  There was no significant change in the level of catalase. The histopathological changes due to lead exposure in these rats decreased after treatment with L. fermentum. Conclusions: The results indicated that L. fermentum reduced the toxic effects of lead on the kidneys, either by potentiating the renal antioxidant system or by removing lead from the treated rats, or both. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the mechanisms by which L. fermentum exerts its anti-lead poisoning effects.