Reno-Protective Properties of Azolla pinnata Extract Against Gentamicin-Induced Kidney Damage Are Attributed to Its...

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Nephrology
• Oxidative Stress Research

Background:

• Gentamicin (GM) antibiotic use is limited by dose-dependent kidney toxicity, primarily due to oxidative stress.
• Azolla pinnata (A. pinnata), an antioxidant-rich fern, has potential renoprotective properties not yet fully explored against GM nephrotoxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the protective effects of a hydroalcoholic A. pinnata extract against gentamicin-induced kidney damage in a rat model.
• To evaluate the extract's impact on renal function, oxidative stress markers, and kidney histopathology.

Main Methods:

• Male Wistar rats received gentamicin (GM) with or without A. pinnata extract (10 or 20 mg/kg) orally for seven days.
• Evaluated renal function (creatinine, urea), oxidative stress (MDA, FRAP, CAT, GPX), TNF-α, and kidney histopathology.

Main Results:

• GM significantly impaired kidney function and increased oxidative stress (elevated creatinine, urea, MDA; reduced FRAP, CAT).
• A. pinnata extract (especially 20 mg/kg) dose-dependently ameliorated these effects, restoring kidney function and antioxidant defenses.
• Histopathology showed A. pinnata extract significantly reduced GM-induced tubular necrosis and glomerular damage.

Conclusions:

• A. pinnata extract provides significant renoprotection against gentamicin nephrotoxicity.
• The protective mechanism involves enhancing endogenous antioxidant defenses and reducing lipid peroxidation.
• A. pinnata may serve as a complementary therapy to mitigate gentamicin-induced kidney damage.