Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cadmium (Cd), a highly toxic heavy metal from agricultural activities, and its exposure can lead to impaired renal function by increasing reactive oxygen species. The atemoya fruit is known for its high phenolic and antioxidant compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of atemoya extracts on renal function, oxidative stress parameters, and inflammatory biomarkers in a cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity model. METHODS: Three aqueous extracts were prepared from different parts of the atemoya fruit: seeds, peel, and pulp. Twenty-five male Wistar rats were allocated into four groups: control, seed, peel, and pulp extracts at 2 g/kg for 25 days. All treatment groups administered intraperitoneal injections of cadmium chloride (CdCl(2)) (2 mg/kg) to induce renal damage. RESULTS: The cadmium-treated groups showed decreased creatinine clearance, SOD, CAT, and GPx activities (p < 0.05) and increased serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The treatment with seed, peel, and pulp extracts increased creatinine clearance (p < 0.05), increased SOD, CAT, and GPx activities (p < 0.05), and reduced serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 compared to the Cd group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the use of atemoya as a promising candidate for mitigating nephrotoxicity and highlights the importance of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in renal health.