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Vitamin E and selenium in gentamicin nephrotoxicity
O Ademuyiwa1, E O Ngaha, F O Ubah
1Department of Biochemistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
Human & Experimental Toxicology
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Vitamin E and selenium protect against gentamicin-induced kidney damage by preventing renal cellular membrane damage. This combination therapy shows synergistic effects and potential diuretic properties.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Toxicology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Gentamicin is a common antibiotic known for its nephrotoxic potential.
- Understanding the cellular mechanisms of gentamicin-induced kidney damage is crucial for developing protective strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the sequence of renal cellular membrane damage caused by gentamicin in rats.
- To evaluate the protective efficacy of a combined vitamin E and selenium treatment against gentamicin nephrotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Rats were administered gentamicin (60 mg/kg) to induce nephrotoxicity.
- Renal damage was assessed by measuring the release of alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, muramidase, and protein from renal cells.
- The protective effects of vitamin E (1 mg/g) and selenium (4 x 10(-3) mg/g) combination were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity within 12 hours, primarily damaging the renal tubular plasma membrane before lysosomal membranes.
- The combination of vitamin E and selenium significantly attenuated gentamicin-induced renal damage.
- Evidence suggests a synergistic protective effect between vitamin E and selenium.
Conclusions:
- The study elucidates the early cellular targets of gentamicin nephrotoxicity.
- Vitamin E and selenium act synergistically to protect against gentamicin-induced kidney damage.
- Vitamin E and selenium may possess anti-diuretic properties.