Abstract
Gentamicin (GM), an aminoglycoside antibiotic, is routinely prescribed in most bacterial infections. It generates free radicals that are mediators of nephrotoxicity. This work designed to assess the potential protective action of pomegranate (PG), blueberry (BB), and their mixture (PG + BB) extracts against GM-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Rats (n=30) were classified into 5 groups (n = 6) 1-Control, 2-GM; rats intraperitoneal (i.p.) injected with GM (100 mg/kg) for ten days. Groups 3-5; rats were ingested (500 mg/kg b.wt) PG, BB, or PG + BB, respectively for 28 d before GM injection, and 10 days thereafter. Kidney functions, protein metabolism parameters, and ionic electrolyte (sodium and potassium) levels were estimation in serum. GM injection induced nephrotoxicity marked by significant elevate in kidney functions, total protein, and albumin levels, with significant decline in ionic electrolyte levels compared with the control group. Histopathological examination of renal tissues showed severe interstitial nephritis, cystic dilatation of renal tubules, thickening and dilatation of Bowman's space. Oral administration of PG, BB and PG+BB protected kidney from damage induced by GM as evidenced from histopathological and biochemical parameters improvements. The most effective treatment was PG+BB compared with the other pretreated groups. In conclusion, a combination of PG + BB has potent nephroprotective effects; therefore it may be useful for patients with kidney diseases or who receiving GM therapy.