Ameliorative Effects of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Annona muricata on the Renal Function of N-Nitroso-N-methylurea (NMU)- Induced Prostate Cancer in Albino Rats
Onyinyechi C. Njoku
*
Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Linus O. Agwu
Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Chimdi E. Esonu
Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Valentine C. Edom
Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Moshood A. Haruna
Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Winifred N. Nsofor
Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Thaddeus O. Ukwueze
Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Nnenna C. Osuji-Kalu
Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Blessing A. Mba
Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Chinweuba G. Nwaekpe
Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Tasi’u M. Uba
Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Kidney related disorders arising from several diseases has been a challenge in recent times. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of A. muricata ethanol leaf extract on renal function parameters of NMU-induced prostate cancer in albino rats.
Materials and Methods: Fresh leaves were collected from Annona muricata tree in Orji, Owerri, Imo State, it was authenticated by a plant taxonomist and prepared for extract administration. Acute oral toxicity was determined. Twenty-five (25) male albino rats (average weight 96g) were used and acclimatized for 2 weeks. Induction of prostate cancer with NMU lasted for 21 days and confirmation was done using histological examination of the prostate and prostate specific antigen analysis. Treatment with A. muricata leaf extract commenced immediately via oral route for 28 days. The animals were divided into five (5) groups: Group 1 (normal control), group 2 (negative control), group 3 (NMU-induced, treated with finasteride, groups 4 and 5 (NMU-induced, treated with 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of A. muricata leaf extract, respectively). At the end of the study, the animals were sacrificed and serum obtained for assessment of renal function parameters.
Results: The results from this study showed a significant increase in urea level, creatinine concentration, sodium ion and chloride ion levels and a significant decrease in bicarbonate ion and potassium ion concentration in the prostate cancer control group (group 2) when compared to the normal control group (p<0.05). The result further showed that administration of A. muricata ethanol leaf extract to prostate cancer induced rats in group 4 and 5 significantly reduced urea, creatinine, sodium ion, chloride ion concentration and increased bicarbonate and potassium ion concentration when compared to group 2. Histopathological findings showed that there was no severe damage to the kidney architecture in all induced and treated groups.
Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that A. muricata ethanol leaf extract possesses significant nephroprotective properties against prostate cancer-induced renal toxicity in albino rat. Treatment with the extract led to improved serum concentrations of urea, creatinine, sodium, and chloride, while restoring potassium levels towards normal. These findings reveal that A. muricata may mitigate electrolyte imbalances and renal dysfunction associated with prostate cancer, supporting its potential as a complementary therapeutic agent in prostate cancer-related renal complications.
Keywords: A. Muricata, prostate cancer, renal toxicity, kidney disease