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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
Kidney Regeneration in Adult Zebrafish by Gentamicin Induced Injury
Published on: August 3, 2015
Effect of Spirulina, a blue green algae, on gentamicin-induced oxidative stress and renal dysfunction in rats
Anurag Kuhad1, Naveen Tirkey, Sangeeta Pilkhwal
1Pharmacology Division, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India.
Abstract:
Gentamicin (GM), an aminoglycoside, is widely employed in clinical practice for the treatment of serious Gram-negative infections. The clinical utility of GM is limited by the frequent incidence of acute renal failure. Experimental evidences suggest that oxidative and nitrosative stress play an important role in GM nephrotoxicity. Spirulina fusiformis is a blue green algae with potent free radical scavenging properties. The present study was designed to investigate renoprotective potential of S. fusiformis, against GM-induced oxidative stress and renal dysfunction. Spirulina fusiformis (500, 1000, 1500 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered 2 days before and 8 days concurrently with GM (100 mg/kg, i.p.). Renal injury was assessed by measuring serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine clearance and serum nitrite levels. Renal oxidative stress was determined by renal malondialdehyde levels, reduced glutathione levels and by enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. Chronic GM administration resulted in marked renal oxidative and nitrosative stress and significantly deranged renal functions. Treatment with S. fusiformis significantly and dose-dependently restored renal functions, reduced lipid peroxidation and enhanced reduced glutathione levels, SOD and catalase activities. The results of present study clearly demonstrate the pivotal role of reactive oxygen species and their relation to renal dysfunction and point to the therapeutic potential of S. fusiformis in GM-induced nephrotoxicity.
Insights
Spirulina fusiformis protects against gentamicin-induced kidney damage by reducing oxidative stress. This blue-green algae shows therapeutic potential for preventing gentamicin nephrotoxicity.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Gentamicin (GM), an aminoglycoside antibiotic, effectively treats Gram-negative infections but can cause acute renal failure.
- Oxidative and nitrosative stress are implicated as key mechanisms in gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the renoprotective effects of Spirulina fusiformis against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity.
- To investigate the role of oxidative stress in gentamicin nephrotoxicity and the potential of S. fusiformis to mitigate it.
Main Methods:
- Rats were treated with S. fusiformis (500, 1000, 1500 mg/kg) before and during gentamicin (100 mg/kg) administration.
- Renal function was assessed by serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine clearance.
- Oxidative stress markers including malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase were measured.
Main Results:
- Gentamicin administration induced significant renal oxidative and nitrosative stress, impairing renal function.
- S. fusiformis treatment dose-dependently improved renal function and reduced markers of oxidative stress.
- Lipid peroxidation was reduced, while reduced glutathione levels and SOD and catalase activities were enhanced by S. fusiformis.
Conclusions:
- Reactive oxygen species play a critical role in gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity.
- Spirulina fusiformis demonstrates significant renoprotective potential against gentamicin-induced kidney damage.
- S. fusiformis may be a promising therapeutic agent for preventing or treating gentamicin nephrotoxicity.
