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Published on: July 5, 2017
Protective effects of Rosa canina fruit extract against kidney damage induced by CCl4
Hanaa S S Gazwi1, Amany E Ragab2, Osama I A Soltan3
1Departments of Agricultural Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Minia University, El-Minia, 61519, Egypt.
Abstract:
The study explored the nephroprotective potential of Rosa canina (dog rose) ethanolic fruit extract against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced nephrotoxicity in rats, while also analyzing its phytochemical composition using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Male Wistar rats were allocated into five groups: control, R. canina extract alone, CCl4-induced nephrotoxicity, CCl4 with R. canina extract and CCl4 with silymarin. UPLC-ESI-MS/MS revealed 15 compounds in R. canina extract, predominantly anthocyanins, flavonoids, and lycopene. Treatment with R. canina extract significantly ameliorated CCl4-induced kidney dysfunction, abating oxidative stress and inflammation. Enhanced expression of HO-1 (heme oxygenase-1) and Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) mRNA in the kidney suggested their involvement in protective mechanisms. Inhibition of HO-1 attenuated R. canina's protective effect against CCl4-induced kidney injury, underscoring the significance of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. For further validation, high throughput molecular docking analysis were performed. The docking analysis revealed the interaction between HO-1 and Nrf2 against Pelarginidin, Malvidin and Petunidin. Among all the three compounds, pelargonidin showed the highest binding score of -9.3 kcal/mol and -7.7 kcal/mol against Nrf2 and HO-1 respectively. In conclusion, R. canina extract, rich in phenolics, exhibited nephroprotective effects via inflammation and oxidative stress attenuation, potentially mediated through Nrf2/HO-1 pathway modulation against CCl4-induced nephrotoxicity.
Insights
Rosa canina fruit extract protects kidneys from damage by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. This effect is linked to the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, with compounds like pelargonidin showing significant interactions.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Phytochemistry
Background:
- Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a known nephrotoxic agent.
- Natural products are increasingly investigated for therapeutic potential.
- Kidney dysfunction involves oxidative stress and inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the nephroprotective effects of Rosa canina ethanolic fruit extract against CCl4-induced nephrotoxicity.
- To identify key phytochemicals in the extract and elucidate their role in protection.
- To investigate the involvement of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in the observed effects.
Main Methods:
- Phytochemical analysis of R. canina extract using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS.
- Induction of nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats using CCl4.
- Administration of R. canina extract and silymarin as treatment groups.
- Assessment of kidney function, oxidative stress markers, and inflammatory mediators.
- Gene expression analysis of HO-1 and Nrf2.
- Molecular docking studies to predict compound-protein interactions.
Main Results:
- UPLC-ESI-MS/MS identified 15 compounds, including anthocyanins, flavonoids, and lycopene.
- R. canina extract significantly reduced CCl4-induced kidney dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
- Enhanced expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) mRNA was observed.
- Inhibition of HO-1 diminished the protective effect of R. canina extract.
- Molecular docking revealed strong interactions between Nrf2/HO-1 and compounds like pelargonidin.
Conclusions:
- Rosa canina ethanolic fruit extract demonstrates significant nephroprotective potential against CCl4-induced kidney injury.
- The protective mechanism involves the attenuation of oxidative stress and inflammation.
- The Nrf2/HO-1 pathway plays a crucial role in mediating the nephroprotective effects of R. canina extract.

