Abstract
Background: Cyclosporin A (CsA) is immunosuppressive drug, but nephrotoxicity has been a major limiting factor. The present study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of parsley leaves extract and silymarin against nephrotoxicity induced by Cyclosporin A in rats. Methods: sixty male albino rats divided into six groups (n=10). Group I control group. Group II received single dose of CsA (50mg/kg weight, orally/day). Group III received parsley leaves extract (250mg/kg b.wt orally/day). Group IV received CsA and parsley leaves extract as in group II and III. Group V silymarin group received silymarin (100 mg/kg b.wt orally/day). Group VI received CsA and silymarin as in group II and V. Serum urea, uric acid and Creatinine were measured. Biomarkers of oxidative stress, antioxidant status, DNA damage, apoptosis and inflammatory-mediators had been measured in kidneys tissues. Results: Administration of Cyclosporin A to rats induced nephrotoxicity associated with a significant increase in serum urea, uric acid and Creatinine. Significant increase in MDA, NO, 8-OHdG, caspase-3, NF-kappa B, TNF-alpha and significant decrease of GST in kidney tissues. Histopathological examination of animal treated with CsA exhibited disruption of normal kidney architecture; cellular disorganization, intracellular vacuoles, and formation of many inflammatory cells. Co-administration of parsley leaves extract or silymaren(+) CsA attenuated all of the parameters near to the normal. However, pronounced attenuation was recorded in animals co treated with parsley leaves extract. Conclusion: The study suggested that the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of parsley leaves extract may prevent CsA-induced nephrotoxicity via decreasing the oxidative stress, and repairing the histopathological changes.