Effect of Eisenia foetida Extract against Cisplatin-Induced Kidney Injury in Rats

Kidney injury is a deleterious side effect accompanied by therapeutic uses of cisplatin as an antineoplastic agent. However, no therapeutic option is available against this complication. This study was designed to evaluate the protective role of a glycoprotein extract obtained from Eisenia foetida against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Rats were treated with cisplatin (7.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, i.p.) and Eisenia foetida extract (300 and 500 mg/kg, i.p. and/or oral). Serum creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were significantly elevated in cisplatin-treated rats. A significant amount of lipid peroxidation was detected in drug-treated animals. Furthermore, kidney histopathological findings revealed acute tubular necrosis and hyaline cast formation caused by cisplatin. Eisenia foetida extract administration (300 and 500 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reduced serum BUN and creatinine and lipid peroxidation in kidney tissue. Moreover, cisplatin-induced histopathological lesions were alleviated by Eisenia foetida extract. This investigation concluded that Eisenia foetida extract ameliorated cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. This protection might be mediated by preventing cisplatin-induced oxidative stress.