Ameliorative effect of citrus peel extract on castration-induced oxidative stress in liver and kidney of rats

The present work aimed to investigate the effect of methanolic extract of citrus peel in the redox status of liver and kidney in castrated rats. Twenty four Wistar albino rats were used. They were divided into 4 groups (n = 6). Group I was used as control. Group II was castration group, Group III was normal rats treated with citrus peel and Group IV was citrus peel castration group. Liver and kidney function and oxidative stress markers were measured. In addition, histopathological changes of liver and kidney were examined. Castration enhanced lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide production in both liver and kidney with concomitant reduction in glutathione. In addition, castration caused liver and kidney injuries as indicated by histopathological changed of the liver and kidney with a disturbance in the functions of liver and kidney. Citrus peel protected liver and kidney through decreasing the oxidative stress stimulating the antioxidant defense system. From the present results, it can be concluded that the decrease in liver and kidney damages during citrus peel treatment may be due to the inhibition of oxidative stress overproduction and maintenance of antioxidant defense mechanisms of this extract.