The Effect of Different Doses of N-acetyl Cysteine on Biochemical and Histopathological Parameters in Kidney of Formalin-treated Mice

Formaldehyde, a colorless aldehyde with pungent odor, has negative effects on systems of the body. Considering, there are a little data about protective substances against kidney damage induced by formaldehyde, the aim of the present study was to examine the effects of different doses of N-acetyl cysteine on biochemical and histopathological parameters in kidney of mice exposed to formaldehyde.
A total of 48 adult male mice were randomly divided into six groups. Control group did not receive any injection. Formaldehyde group received 10 mg/kg formaldehyde. Third to sixth groups received 10 mg/kg formaldehyde as well as respectivly 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg N-acetyl cysteine, intraperitoneally. After 14 days, slides from kidney were prepared and kidney volume and glomeroules number were obtained by steriologic method. Besides, levels of serum urea and cranitine were measured. Data were analyzed through SPSS software and using ANOVA.
Administration of formaldehyde has caused necrosis, cast and vacuolization in kidney tubules. Collapse and sclerosis were observed in the glomeruli. Effects of N-acetylcysteine were dose-dependent; that is, administration of high doses of N-acetylcysteine caused glomerular and tubular damage. In the group received 50 mg/kg N-acetylcysteine, glomeruli and interstitial tissue were normal. The glomerular volume and urea levels in the experimental group 3 and 6 were significantly different compared to the control group (P = 0.000). The number of glomeruli and the level of creatinine in the groups receiving N-acetylcysteine was significantly different compared to the control group (P = 0.000).
Administration of 50mg/kg N-acetyl cysteine for 14 days caused protective effect on kidney tissue of mice that had received formaldehyde.