Background and Objective: Chrysin has been used for suppression of inducible nitric oxide synthase. Zinc inhibits the
production of oxygen-free radicals. This study aimed to assess the possible ameliorative role of chrysin and zinc on lead
acetate nephrotoxicity.
Material and Methods: The study involved forty-five adult male albino rats that were categorized into, control group,
lead acetate group, chrysin-treated group, zinc-treated group and chrysin plus zinc-treated group. At the end of the study
blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture for laboratory analysis of blood urea and creatinine. The kidneys were
collected and subjected to biochemical analysis, histological and immune-histochemical study.
Result: Lead acetate elevated the blood urea and creatinine level, the tissue malondialdehyde MDA level and reduced
the level of antioxidant enzymes. It interrupted the normal histological structures of renal sections, elevated the main
area percent of collagen fiber deposition, and P53 and TNF α positive immuno-reactivity. Both chrysin and zinc
significantly declined the toxic effect of lead acetate in chrysin-treated group and zinc-treated group. Chrysin and zinc
co-treatment has significantly decreased the blood urea and creatinine levels, malondialdehyde level, collagen fiber
deposition, and P53 and TNF α positive immuno-reactivity and significantly increased the antioxidant enzyme levels
compared to chrysin-treated group and zinc-treated group.
Conclusion: Lead acetate induced serious renal injury. Chrysin and zinc alone improved the toxic changes of lead
acetate. However, coadministration of chrysin and zinc have a powerful ameliorative effect than chrysin and zinc alone.