Electrolytes metabolism and cardio-renal histomorphological derangements of an experimental model of hyperlipidemia: Functional role of camel milk (Camelus dromedarius)

Abstract

Jibril Zuberu, Malajiya IA Saleh, Abdul W. Alhassan, Munira Aliyu, Bello Y Adamu, Bilkisu T Iliya

Background: Hyperlipidemia can result in deleterious effect both on the cardiovascular and renal systems. The therapeutic values of camel milk have been established by several studies making it suitable for metabolic diseases. This study was designed to investigate the effect of poloxamer 407-induced hyperlipidemia on serum electrolyte, urea, creatinine, cardiorenal histomorphological changes of Wistar rats and the functional role of oral administration of camel milk. Materials and Methods: Twenty adult male Wistar rats weighing between 150 and 200 g were randomly assigned into four groups of five animals each; group I was administered distilled water, group II was induced with poloxamer 407 (P407), group III was induced with P407 and treated with atorvastatin (20 mg/kg), and group IV was induced with P407 and treated with camel milk 250 mg/kg. After 21 days, serum samples, renal and heart tissues were collected for the determination of urea, creatinine, and histomorphological changes, respectively. Results: Poloxamers 407-induced hyperlipidemia resulted in significant increases in serum bicarbonate and urea level, glomerulotubular and myocardiac necrosis, aortic adipocytes, and renal lymphocytes infiltration. Co-administration of camel milk significantly decreased serum urea and bicarbonate along with protection of cardiorenal tissue integrity. Conclusions: The results of our findings show that poloxamer 407-induced hyperlipidemia in Wistar rats can progress to alteration of electrolyte balance as well as cardiorenal tissues distortion. Co-administration of camel milk protects against cardiac and renal dysfunction in P407-induced hyperlipidemic Wistar rats.