A 'Yang-Invigorating' Chinese herbal formula protects against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

The effects of VI-28 (a Yang-invigorating Chinese herbal formula) treatment on the renal mitochondrial antioxidant system and susceptibility to gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity were investigated in rats. VI-28 treatment (80 or 240 mg/kg/day x 12) enhanced the renal mitochondrial antioxidant system, as indicated by dose-dependent increases in the level/activities of reduced glutathione, Mn-superoxide dismutase, Se-glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferases. VI-28 treatment protected against nephrotoxicity induced by gentamicin administration (100 mg/kg/day x 8) and the nephroprotection was associated with an enhancement in the renal mitochondrial antioxidant system. In conclusion, VI-28 treatment enhanced the renal mitochondrial antioxidant system, thereby protecting against gentamicin nephrotoxicity.