Evaluation of acrylamide exposure in pregnant Wistar rats as a risk of developing renal disease in their litters

Effect of vinpocetine against acrylamide-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Vinpocetine (VIN) is a synthetic drug derived from the natural alkaloid vincamine. The antioxidation and anti-inflammation effects of VIN allow it to be used for multiple therapeutic purposes. So, the research aims to discover the possibility of using VIN to improve the nephrotoxicity of acrylamide (ACR). Twenty-four male albino rats were used in the trial: rats in the control group received 0.5 mL of oral saline, rats in the VIN group received an oral dose of VIN (5 mg/kg), rats in the ACR group received an oral dose of ACR (38.27 mg/kg), and rats in the VIN + ACR group received VIN and then ACR 1 h later. Rat blood and kidneys were collected 10 days after the experiment began to assess biochemical parameters and to examine both renal histopathological and immunohistochemistry. The ACR-treated rats showed high levels of serum kidney function biomarkers (creatinine, urea, and uric acid), serum protein biomarkers (total protein, albumin, and globulin), renal kidney injury molecule (KIM)-1, renal malondialdehyde (MDA), and renal caspase-3 immunoexpression. Moreover, ACR lowed both renal superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and renal glutathione (GSH) level and caused renal histological alterations. While administration of VIN improved serum kidney function biomarkers, serum protein biomarkers, renal KIM-1, renal oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, SOD, and GSH), renal caspase-3 immunoexpression, and renal histological alterations induced by ACR. The study confirmed the ability of VIN to reduce the nephrotoxic effects of ACR, which was evident through the results of biochemical parameters and histological and immunohistochemical examinations of the kidney tissues.

Polyphenol-rich extract of Ocimum gratissimum leaves prevented toxic effects of cyclophosphamide on the kidney function of Wistar rats

BACKGROUND

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is one of the potent and low cost chemotherapy used in clinical setting against a variety of tumors. However, its association with nephrotoxicity limits its therapeutic use. Ocimum gratissimum leaf is a medicinal plant with numerous pharmacological and therapeutic efficacies, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and anti-apoptotic properties.

METHODS

The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of Ocimum gratissimum (OG) against CP-induced kidney dysfunction in rats. Rats were pre-treated with 400 mg/kg b.w. of leave extract of Ocimum gratissimum (Ocimum G.) for 4 days and then 50 mg/kg b.w. of CP was co-administered from day 5 to day 7 along with Ocimum G. Markers of renal function and oxidative stress, food and water intake, electrolytes, aldosterone, leukocytes infiltration, inflammation and histopathological alteration were evaluated.

RESULTS

Obvious renal inflammation and kidney injuries were observed in CP treated groups. However, administration of leave extract of Ocimum G. prevented oxidative stress, kidney injuries, attenuated inflammation, increased aldosterone production and reduced sodium ion and water loss in rats. The plasma creatinine, urea and urine albumin concentration were normalized after the administration of Ocimum G. extract in rats treated with CP. Ocimum G. also decreased the plasma concentrations of Interleukin-(IL)-6, C-reactive protein and activity of myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde in CP treated rats.

CONCLUSION

Ocimum G. prevented kidney injury and enhanced renal function via inhibiting inflammation and oxidant-induced CP toxicity. The efficacy of Ocimum G. is related to the presence of various phytochemicals in the plant.