Crocin attenuates cisplatin-induced renal oxidative stress in rats

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative damage are the most important factors in cisplatin-induced acute renal failure. This study examined the protective effects of crocin against cisplatin-induced renal oxidative stress in rat. Animals were divided into five groups (n=6). Group 1 received normal saline (2 ml/day, i.p.). Group 2 received a single dose of cisplatin (5mg/kg, i.p.). Groups 3-5 received crocin (100, 200, and 400mg/kg, i.p., respectively) for four consecutive days beginning 1-h before a single dose of cisplatin (5mg/kg) on day 1. On day 5, blood samples were drawn and kidneys were removed for histopathological, biochemical and RT-PCR examinations. Twenty four hours urinary chemistries were measured. Blood urea and creatinine and urinary glucose and protein concentrations in crocin-treated groups were significantly lower compared to the cisplatin-treated group. Histopathological studies showed massive damage in the S(3) segment of proximal tubules in cisplatin-treated group but not in crocin-treated groups. Crocin treatment resulted in a significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and produced a significant elevation in total thiol and glutathione peroxidase concentrations. There was a significant elevation in the mRNA expression of glutathione peroxidase in crocin-treated groups. The results suggest that crocin attenuates cisplatin-induced renal oxidative stress in rats.