Relationship between Folic Acid Supplementation, Serum Homocysteine and Markers of Kidney Function in Male Albino Rats

Abstract

Increased serum homocysteine (Hcy) can induce kidney diseases and can play a role in renal disorders. The purpose of the present study therefore was to investigate the relationship between serum hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) induced by methionine administration, folic acid and kidney functions. The relationship between total homocysteine (tHcy) and outcomes has not been investigated in patients with chronic kidney disease. The present study was designed to induce hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) in male rats. Also, to evaluate, the effect of (HHcy) as a risk factor for kidney disorder and folic acid supplementation on serum levels of Hcy, urea, uric acid, creatinine and alkaline phosphatase. In this work 50 male albino rats were used and divided into five groups. The first served as control., the second and third group received two different doses of L-methionine., the fourth and fifth group received fortified diet with folic acid powder plus L-methionine. The results showed that homocysteine levels in rats received low and high doses of methionine were higher than in the control group, and increased urea in rats treated with high dose of methionine only, while uric acid and creatinine level showed insignificant changes in rats treated with both doses of methionine. Alkaline phosohatases activity significantly increased in low and high dose treated rats compared to control group. Folic acid supplementation induced significant decrease in homocysteine level in rats treated with high dose of methionone while low dose keeps homocysteine within normal value.As regard to kidney functions, supplementation of folic acid with low dose of methionine leading to significant decrease in serum urea and uric acid concentration while, when folic acid added to high dose of methionine keep its concentration within the normal value.Creatinine and alkaline phosphatase level significantly increased in folic acid treated rats with high dose of methionine, but an alkaline phosphatase activity significantly increased in folic acid treated rats with low and high dose of methionine. A positive correlation was seen between the activities of alkaline phosphatase in serum and HHcy rats. It can be concluded that hyperhomocysteinemia may be an additional risk factor for renal failure and dietary supplementation with folic acid blocking the activity of homocysteine and may be considered as a therapeutic possibility in patients with renal disorders. Also, plasma Hcy and folic acid measurement may be useful in the evaluation of renal disorders. More studies are necessary to pinpoint the precise mechanisms that lead to hyperhomocysteinemia in renal failure. This should lead to optimal treatment and, ultimately, to the prevention of cardiovascular complications in this vulnerable patient group.