Abstract
Aim: Gentamicin (GM) is an effective antibiotic against many Gram-negative bacterial infections, but it has a narrow therapeutic range. The application of gentamicin causes nephrotoxicity due to its accumulation in renal cortex and the oxidative stress it causes. The present study was aimed to carry out comparative biochemical and histopathological studies on the efficacy of niphedipine, fenugreek (FG) seeds against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.
Materials and Methods: Nephrotoxicity was induced in rats by administering gentamicin IP for 9 days at a dose of 125 mg/kg. The nephroprotective effect of the orally administered water extract of fenugreek seeds (FG) at a dose of 200 mg/kg or niphedipine (NF) at a dose of 20 mg/kg individually or in combination were studied. In order to determine the nephroprotective role of the compounds, serum biochemical parameters analyses and histology studies on kidney were performed.
Results: Reduction in weight of body, liver, right kidney and heart in rats treated with gentamicin was rescued with the help of fenugreek seed extract and nifedipine. Fenugreek and nifedipine treatment also reduces uric acid levels in the gentamicin treated group as compared to the group treated with gentamicin alone; no such change was observed in serum creatinine levels. Histological studies demonstrated the protective role of fenugreek and nifedipine against the extensive damage caused by the gentamicin treatment.
Discussion: In conclusion, this study showed potential or mild protection of fenugreek seed extract and nifedipine on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.