Biochemical and histopathological evidence of hepatorenal protection by an olive (Olea europaea) extract exposed to hexavalent chromium

Environmental contamination with hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] poses serious risks to human and animal health, mainly due to oxidative stress and tissue damage. This study evaluated the toxic effects of Cr(VI) and the protective role of olive extract (OE) in adult male albino rats by assessing hematological, biochemical, and hepatorenal histopathological changes. Ninety rats were divided into control, chromium-treated, olive extract-treated, and Cr(VI)+OE groups and were monitored over three weeks. Phytochemical analysis of OE revealed high levels of phenolics, flavonoids, and oleuropein with strong antioxidant activity. Cr(VI) exposure caused significant tissue accumulation, anemia, alterations in blood cells, hepatorenal dysfunction, oxidative stress, glutathione depletion, and elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines, accompanied by severe liver and kidney histopathological alterations. Co-administration of olive extract reduced chromium accumulation and improved several hematological and biochemical parameters, antioxidant status, and inflammatory responses These findings suggest that OE exerts a protective effect against Cr(VI)-induced hepatorenal toxicity, which may be associated with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and its potential to reduce chromium accumulation.