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Renoprotective Effect of Taxifolin in Paracetamol-Induced Nephrotoxicity: Emerging Evidence from an Animal Model
Ismail Topal1, Mustafa Yaşar Özdamar2, Tulin Catakli3
1Department of Pediatric Diseases, Medical Faculty, Erzincan University, 24000 Erzincan, Turkey.
Background:
Taxifolin (TXF) is a flavonoid found abundantly in citrus/onion. Encouraging results on its renoprotective effect have been reported in a limited number of drug-induced nephrotoxicity animal models. The present study aimed to evaluate for the first time the potential renoprotective effects of TXF in a paracetamol (PAR)-induced nephrotoxicity rat model.
Methods:
Rats were divided into three equal groups (n = 6 animals per group). Group 1 (PAR group, PARG) received PAR diluted in normal saline by gavage (1000 mg/kg). Group 2 (TXF group, TXFG) received TXF diluted in normal saline by gavage (50 mg/kg) one hour after PAR administration. Group 3 (control group, CG) received normal saline. Twenty-four hours after PAR administration, all animals were sacrificed using high-dose anesthesia. Blood samples were collected and kidneys were removed.
Results:
The serum blood urea nitrogen, creatinine levels and serum malondialdehyde levels were significantly increased in the PARG. The serum glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and total glutathione levels were significantly higher in the TXFG. At the same time, the kidneys of the PARG animals demonstrated tubular epithelium swelling, distension and severe vacuolar degeneration. The kidneys of the TXFG animals showed mildly dilated/congested blood vessels.
Conclusions:
The TXF renoprotective effects are promising in preventing PAR-induced nephrotoxicity, mainly through antioxidant activity, and warrant further testing in future studies.
Insights
Taxifolin (TXF) shows promise in protecting against paracetamol-induced kidney damage by reducing harmful biomarkers and improving antioxidant levels. Further research is recommended to explore TXF's renoprotective potential.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Taxifolin (TXF), a flavonoid abundant in citrus and onions, has demonstrated potential renoprotective effects in limited studies.
- Previous research explored TXF in various drug-induced nephrotoxicity models.
- This study investigates TXF's renoprotective effects in a paracetamol (PAR)-induced nephrotoxicity rat model for the first time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential renoprotective effects of Taxifolin (TXF) in a paracetamol (PAR)-induced nephrotoxicity rat model.
- To assess the impact of TXF on key indicators of kidney damage and oxidative stress.
- To determine if TXF can mitigate the adverse effects of paracetamol on renal function and histology.
Main Methods:
- Rats were divided into three groups: paracetamol-induced nephrotoxicity (PARG), TXF treatment (TXFG), and control (CG).
- PARG received 1000 mg/kg of PAR, while TXFG received 50 mg/kg of TXF one hour after PAR administration.
- Blood and kidney samples were collected 24 hours post-PAR administration for analysis.
Main Results:
- Paracetamol administration significantly increased serum levels of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and malondialdehyde.
- TXF treatment resulted in significantly higher serum levels of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and total glutathione.
- Kidney histology revealed tubular epithelium swelling and vacuolar degeneration in the PAR group, with milder vascular changes in the TXF group.
Conclusions:
- Taxifolin (TXF) demonstrates promising renoprotective effects against paracetamol-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.
- The protective mechanism of TXF appears to be primarily through its antioxidant activity.
- These findings warrant further investigation into TXF as a potential therapeutic agent for preventing drug-induced kidney injury.
