Utilization of Pectin and Arabic Gum to Improve Kidney Functions in Rats Inflicted with Renal Failure

Persons with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have significantly higher rates of morbidity, mortality, hospitalizations, and healthcare utilization. The prevalence of CKD stages had continued to increase since 1988 as have the prevalences of diabetes and hypertension, which are respectively etiologic in approximately 40% and 25% of CKD cases. Pectin as a biologically active supplement influence on some clinical and laboratory parameters which studied in 66 patients with chronic renal failure. The results of the investigations have evidenced that the studied biologically active supplements promotes a regress of clinical signs and elimination of uremic toxicants. Arabic gum (AG) is a complex polysaccharide used as suspending agent. It has been widely used by eastern folk medicine practitioners as a restorative agent and is thought to be an excellent curative for renal failure patients. This investigation aimed to study the effects of pectin and Arabic gum on kidney functions in rats inflicted with renal failure. Thirty five male albino rats weighing 150±5 g were divided into five equal groups; one group kept as control negative, while the other four groups were injected via intra-peritoneal by gentamicin at a dose of 100 ml/kg b. wt. for 7 days to induce Renal failure, one of them left as control positive while the rest three groups were fed on10% of the diet from (pectin, Arabic gum and a mixture of them) for 45 consecutive days. At the end of experimental period, blood samples were collected for serum separation to determine kidney functions (creatinine, urea and uric acid), total protein, total bilirubin, albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, serum Na & K and liver enzymes(AST, ALT and ALP). Data showed that the dose of 10% of pectin, Arabic gum and a mixture of them ````````showed significant improvment in kidney function and enhancing in biological, biochemical and histopathological examinations in rats inflicted with renal failure.This study revealed that pectin, Arabic gum and a mixture of them at a dose of 10% of the diet could be used in the treatment of renal failure especially the mixture of them which not only slowed the progression of renal failure but also improved serum levels of total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, serum Na & K and liver enzymes.