Effect of Heavy Metal Exposure on Kidney Histomorphological Features and Function

Asnawati Asnawati; Fahrina Ulfah; Ida Yuliana; Irfan Maulana; Siti Khairiyah; Adekusuma Anugrah; Muhammad Abrar Alfayyadh; Sang Sang Bramandali

doi:10.20527/jbkes.v12i2.24674

Effect of Heavy Metal Exposure on Kidney Histomorphological Features and Function

Asnawati Asnawati, Fahrina Ulfah, Ida Yuliana, Irfan Maulana, Siti Khairiyah, Adekusuma Anugrah, Muhammad Abrar Alfayyadh, Sang Sang Bramandali

Abstract

Mining activities near water can lead to health-related problems caused by heavy metal pollution. The objective of the study was to examine kidney histomorphology and function affected by heavy metal exposure, specifically lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg). Using Rattus novergicus as animal model, true experimental study of posttest and control group design were conducted. The diameter and quantity of glomeruli and renal tubules were utilized as measures to evaluate the histomorphological status of the kidney. The kidney function was analyzed using enzymatic assays of blood urea and creatinine levels. The research group was categorized into four subgroups: the control group (C) received distilled water, whereas three intervention groups were administered water polluted with heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg) ad libitum for a duration of 28 days. Significant differences in histomorphological characteristics of kindey were found between the control and intervention groups using the One Way ANOVA test (glomerular diameter p = 0,03, and cortex tubular kidney lumen p = 0.01; medulla tubular p = 0.02). No significant difference in urea levels (p = 0.877) and creatinine levels (p = 0.294) between the control and intervention groups. In conclusion, renal histomorphology features of kindey were altered by subchronic exposure to heavy metals, although kidney function remained unchanged.

Keywords

heavy metal, kidney histomorphology, kidney function

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References

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.20527/jbkes.v12i2.24674