Branched‐Chain Amino Acids Alleviate Carbon Tetrachloride–Induced Kidney Fibrosis and Splenic Hemorrhage in Rat Models

Abstract

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are recognized for their roles in protein synthesis, mitigation of oxidative stress, and maintenance of cellular health in models of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) toxicity, which is associated with industrial chlorofluorocarbon emissions. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups: control, CCl4, CCl4 plus 10 g BCAAs, and CCl4 plus 20-g BCAAs. Each rat received 1 mL/kg of CCl4. After 10 weeks, kidney function biomarkers, including glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and malondialdehyde (MDA), were assessed in kidney homogenates. Histomorphological changes in the kidneys and spleens were also evaluated. CCl4 exposure resulted in significant alterations in kidney markers, indicating nephrotoxicity, as evidenced by elevated creatinine and urea levels in the CCl4-treated group (p < 0.05). Coadministration of BCAAs with CCl4 increased glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity and produced a dose-dependent decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels compared to the CCl4 group. These biochemical outcomes were consistent with histological observations in both kidneys and spleens. Tissue damage was more pronounced in CCl4-exposed rats than in those receiving both CCl4 and BCAAs. The incidence of fibrosis was higher in the CCl4-only group, accompanied by a notable reduction in intracellular protein granules. Collectively, these results indicate that BCAAs exert dose-dependent reparative and antioxidant effects on kidney and spleen pathology. BCAAs significantly restored parameters altered by CCl4, ameliorating renal and splenic disorders. The results of the current study suggest that oral administration of BCAAs is recommended to reduce kidney fibrosis and improve spleen injury.