The Potential of Tamarillo (Solanum betaceum) ethanol extract on Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) expression in the kidneys of lead acetate-exposed mice (Mus musculus)

Background: Lead is a highly toxic heavy metal that can cause harmful effects when it enters the body in large amounts. Lead that enters the body often originates from environmental contamination, posing a significant threat to public health. As an excretory organ, the kidney is one of the organs affected by lead accumulation. Accumulated lead increases the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), which can induce oxidative stress and reduce the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD). Tamarillo (Solanum betaceum) ethanol extract contains several antioxidants which play important roles in combating oxidative stress. 
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the potential of tamarillo (Solanum betaceum) ethanol extract on superoxide dismutase (SOD) expression in kidneys of male mice exposed to lead acetate. 
Methods: This study was a true experimental post-test only control group using 25 archived mice kidney tissue samples. The treatment variable was divided into five groups (n=5): K0 (negative control – distilled water), K1 (positive control – lead acetate 75 mg/kgBW), P1 (lead acetate + tamarillo extract 100 mg/kgBW), P2 (lead acetate + tamarillo extract 200 mg/kgBW), and P3 (lead acetate + tamarillo extract 400 mg/kgBW). The treatments were administered for 35 days. SOD expression was assessed immunohistochemically using H-Score.
Results: The group exposed to lead acetate without any treatment showed the highest mean H-Score, suggesting compensatory upregulation. Administration of tamarillo ethanol extract reduced SOD expression, bringing it closer to the level observed under normal physiological conditions.
Conclusion: Lead acetate exposure induced compensatory upregulation response. Tamarillo ethanol extract at 100 and 200 mg/kgBW/day significantly attenuated this response, suggesting reduced oxidative stress burden in renal cells.