The effects of combined treatment with niacin and chromium on the renal tissues of hyperlipidemic rats.

In this study, 12 months old female Swiss albino rats were used. They were randomly divided into four groups. The animals of group I were fed with pellet chow. Group II were fed with pellet chow and treated with 250 microg/kg CrCl3 x 6H2O and 100 mg/kg niacin for 45 days. Group III were fed a lipogenic diet consisting of 2% cholesterol, 0.5% cholic acid and 2% sunflower oil added to the pellet chow, and given 3%alcoholic water for 60 days. Group IV were fed with the same lipogenic diet for 60 day sand treated by gavage technique to rats at a dose of 250 micro/kg CrCl3 x 6H2O and 100 mg/kg niacin for 45 days, 15 days after experimental animals were rendered hyperlipidemic. At the 60th day, renal tissue and blood samples were taken from the animals. The sections were examined under light and electron microscopy. The degenerative changes were much more in the hyperlipidemic rats than the control group. The changes in renal tissue were also observed in hyperlipidemic animals given niacin and chromium. In the hyperlipidemic rats, renal glutathione levels decreased and renal lipid peroxidation levels, and serum urea and creatinine levels were increased. But, renal glutathione levels increased and lipid peroxidation levels and serum urea and creatinine levels decreased in hyperlipidemic rats given niacin and chromium. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a protective effect of a combination of niacin and chromium is present on the renal tissue of hyperlipidemic rats or not. In conclusion, we can say that niacin and chromium do not have a protective effect on the morphology of the renal tissue of hyperlipidemic rats, except a protective effect on their biochemical parameters.