effects of barium chloride on metallothioneins induction and biochemical and histomorphological changes in the kidney of adult female rats

Background: heavy metal exposure usually causes harmful effects on the environment and human health. objectives: this study investigates the toxic effects of barium chloride (bacl2) administered at graded doses to adult rats on kidney oxidative stress biomarkers and histological changes. methods: animals were divided into four groups with six animals in each group. the control group did not receive any treatment, while groups 2, 3, and 4 were exposed to barium at doses of 67, 150, and 300 parts per million for 3 weeks. after recording 24 h urine volumes, samples were collected and stored at -20 ˚c for further analysis. at the end of the experimental period, plasma and kidney tissue were collected for biochemical and histological analysis. results: the treatment of barium can induce nephrotoxicity as evidenced by a significant increase of malondialdehyde (mda), hydrogen peroxide (h2o2), and advanced oxidation protein product (aopp). a significant increase in kidney levels of total metallothioneins (mts) was also observed. superoxide dismutase (sod), catalase (cat), glutathione peroxidase (gpx) activities, reduced glutathione, non-protein thiol, and vitamin c levels showed a significant decline. plasma creatinine and urea levels showed a significant increase associated with a decrease in uric acid levels. meanwhile, nephron-biochemical parameters were substantiated by histological examination, revealing disorganized kidney architecture. conclusion: the results highlight significant health concerns regarding environmental barium exposure.