Kolaviron ameliorates hepatic and renal dysfunction associated with multiwalled carbon nanotubes in rats

The increase in the exposure to carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and their incorporation into industrial, electronic, and biomedical products have required several scientific investigations into the toxicity associated with CNTs. Studies have shown that the metabolism and clearance of multiwalled CNTs (MWCNTs) from the body involve biotransformation in the liver and its excretion via the kidney. Since oxidative stress and inflammation underlines the toxicity of MWCNT, we investigated the ameliorative effect of kolaviron (KV), a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, on hepatorenal damage in rats. Exposure to MWCNTs for 15 days significantly increased serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase thereby suggesting hepatic dysfunction. Kidney function, which was monitored by urea and creatinine levels, was also impaired by MWCNTs. Additionally, MWCNTs markedly increased myeloperoxidase activity, nitric oxide level, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, and tumor necrosis factor level in both tissues. However, KV in a dose-dependent manner markedly attenuated MWCNT-induced markers of hepatorenal function in the serum and MWCNT-associated inflammation in the liver and kidney. Also, MWCNTs elicited significant inhibition of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase activities. There was a significant diminution in glutathione level (GSH) and enhanced production of malondialdehyde (MDA) in MWCNTs-exposed rats. KV treatment was able to significantly increase the antioxidant enzymes and enhance the GSH level with a subsequent reduction in the MDA level. Taken together, KV elicited ameliorative effects against hepatorenal damage via its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Thus, KV could be an important intervention strategy for the hepatorenal damage associated with MWCNTs exposure.