Effects of Perinatal and Neonatal Sodium Nitrite on Serum Levels of Uric Acid, Urea, Creatinine, and Tissue Structure of Rats’ Offspring Kidneys

Aims: Sodium nitrite is a food preservative that can endanger human health. This study aimed to investigate the perinatal and neonatal effects of sodium nitrite on the functional and tissue structure of rats’ offspring kidneys. Methods & Materials: In this experimental study, 56 female rats were divided into seven groups (n=8): control, perinatal and neonatal control groups, experimental groups 1 and 2 perinatal and neonatal (under oral treatment of doses of 90 and 180 mg/kg sodium nitrite during pregnancy and lactation). At the end of infancy, 8 offspring of rats were randomly selected from each group. After blood sampling, creatinine, urea, and uric acid levels were measured, and by extracting their kidneys, histopathological evaluation was performed. Findings: Perinatal and neonatal administration of 90 and 180 mg/kg sodium nitrite impaired renal tissue structure and significantly increased serum levels of creatinine, urea, and uric acid levels (P<0.001) in rats’ offspring compared to those in the control groups. Conclusion: Sodium nitrite consumption during pregnancy and lactation increases the serum levels of urea, uric acid, and creatinine by changing the tissue structure of the offspring kidneys.