Gum Arabic Alleviates Aluminum Chloride-Induced Kidney Damage via XRCC1 Upregulation and Ki67/P53 Downregulation

The kidneys are essential for filtering and eliminating waste from the body, but their function can be compromised by oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species. This study investigated the protective effects of Gum Arabic (GA), an FDA-approved dietary fiber, against aluminum chloride (AlCl₃)-induced kidney injury in rats, focusing on XRCC1 gene expression and Ki67 and p53 immunoreactivity. A total of 20 male Wistar rats were allocated into four groups (n = 20). The control group (group 1) received no treatment. Group 2 was exposed to AlCl₃ via intraperitoneal (IP) injection at a dose of 5 mg/kg for two weeks. Group 3 was administered GA extract orally at 500 mg/kg for four weeks. Group 4 was subjected to AlCl₃ treatment (5 mg/kg IP) for two weeks, followed by oral administration of GA extract (500 mg/kg) for four weeks. Several parameters were analyzed, including body weight, kidney-to-body weight ratio, serum urea, uric acid levels, oxidative stress markers, XRCC1 gene expression, kidney histology, and Ki67 and p53 immunoreactivity. The results showed that AlCl₃ exposure led to a decline in SOD and GSH levels, structural changes in kidney tissue, elevated serum urea, increased lipid peroxidation, and enhanced Ki67 and p53 immunoreactivity. However, post-treatment with GA effectively counteracted these effects. These findings suggest that GA exhibits nephroprotective properties against AlCl₃-induced kidney toxicity.