Histopathological Study of The Protective Effect of Sesame Oil on Arsenic Induced Hepatorenal Toxicity in Female Rats

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the potential of sesame oil to protect female rats from arsenic-induced hepatorenal toxicity. This toxicity arises from the inability of the body to metabolize heavy metals like arsenic, leading to their accumulation in soft tissues. Previous studies suggest that sesame oil, a known antioxidant, may protect against arsenic-induced toxicity in the liver and kidneys. The study included six groups: a control (distilled water) an arsenic model (40 ppm sodium arsenate in drinking water for 6 weeks). Two sesame oil control groups (5 or 2.5 mL/kg by gavage for 6 weeks), and two therapeutic groups that received arsenic for 6 weeks followed by either the high or low doses of sesame oil for another six weeks. The histopathological assessment revealed significant liver and kidney injury in the arsenic-treated group, characterized by renal interstitial fibrosis and tubular necrosis, alongside hepatic necrosis and destruction of the normal cord-like structure of liver cells. In contrast, groups that received sesame oil (5 mL/kg B.W.) as a post-exposure treatment showed a profound reduction in tissue damage. Their liver and kidney morphology were largely restored to a state resembling the healthy controls. The significant results strongly suggest that sesame oil possesses therapeutic properties that protect against the histopathological effects of arsenic toxicity.