IPN tests effectiveness of microalgae against kidney damage

• April 29, 2024

Scientists of the National School of Biological Sciences (ENCB) of National Polytechnic Institute (IPN) verified that the microalga Spirulina and some cyanobacteria have protective effects against Kidney damage Y hepatic caused by the oxidative stress that is generated by the accumulation of heavy metals in the body, as a product of the intake through the food chain, by environmental pollution and direct exposure to these elements.

The researchers Edgar Cano Europa , Adelaida Hernández García , Rocío Ortiz Butrón , Margarita Franco Colín Y Vanessa Blas Valdivia , stated that the oxidative stress occurs due to an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen and the ability of the body to eliminate it. They noted that a particularly destructive aspect of oxidative stress is the production of reactive oxygen species, which include free radical superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide, among others.

When heavy metal contamination occurs in the body, the oxidative stress It causes kidney and liver damage. To study the effect of microalgae and the cyanobacteria , IPN specialists use mice intoxicated with mercury.

In this way they corroborated that this metal produces oxidative stress and, therefore, alterations in the cellular histology of the kidney and liver, that is, these organs, mainly the first one, present edema, atrophy, cellular damage and hyperchromasia (the nuclear coloration is more intense and the distribution of cellular components is lost)

Cano Europa explained that half an hour before intoxicating the rodents with mercury, the microalga Spirulina is administered intragastrically through a small cannula, then they are poisoned with the metal and during the following 5 days the microalga is administered. A single administration of mercury is then carried out:

"The sixth day is sacrificed to the animal to evaluate the effect of the microalga. Fortunately we have observed that the damage does not occur, even in some animals we use lethal doses of mercury and it is surprising to see that it avoids mortality ".

In turn, the researcher Adelaida Hernández García mentioned that heavy metal organism poisoning occurs when water is consumed or some products obtained from aquifers that have received water discharges contaminated with these metals or by direct exposure of those who work in activities such as the fur shop

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