Protective role of buffalo pineal proteins on arsenic-induced oxidative stress in blood and kidney of rats

Objective: Exposure to various toxic metals has become an increasingly recognized source of illness in human and animals, worldwide. Arsenic (As) and its compounds cause adverse health effects in animals and humans. Recently, it has been suggested that the pineal gland may also have antioxidants role due to secretary product other than melatonin. With keeping this view, present investigation tested effect of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) pineal proteins (PP) on arsenic-induced oxidative stress in RBCs (Red blood cells) and kidney of rats. Methods: Eighteen adult female Wistar rats were grouped into group-I (Control), group-II (Arsenic control), and group-III (Arsenic + Pineal proteins). Experimental rats were given 100 ppm arsenic (p.o.) for 4 weeks alone or along with pineal proteins at a dose of 100 μg/kg body weight (i.p.). Results: Interestingly, arsenic exposure led to the stimulation of kidney catalase (CAT) activity, but inhibition of RBCs CAT activity and significantly (P<0.05) increased the RBCs and kidney lipid peroxidation level (LPO). However, arsenic treatment caused depletion of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) in kidney tissues. In RBCs, only GR and CAT activity were significantly (P<0.05) declined. These changes were significantly (P<0.05) reversed by PP treatment in arsenic exposed animals. Conclusion: Therefore, present study indicated the significant protecting effect of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) PP against arsenic induced-oxidative stress through antioxidant defense systems in rats.