Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Nasturtium officinale involved in attenuation of gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Gentamicin (GM) is used against bacterial infections. The aim of our investigation was to evaluate the role of inflammation and also oxidative damage in nephrotoxic potential of GM and protective effects of Nasturtium officinale (watercress) against GM-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The animals were divided into eight groups: control, solvent, GM (80 mg/kg IP), GM with three doses (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/d) of hydroalcoholic extract of watercress and one group only received high dose of extract and a group which received GM plus vitamin E for 10 consecutive days. Then, the animals were killed and kidney tissues were separated. Finally reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH) content, lipid peroxidation (LPO), protein carbonyl (PCO), nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were evaluated. Also, pathological examination and measuring of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) were done.

RESULTS: The administration of GM for 10 d resulted in an increase in kidney markers (BUN and Cr) and pathological changes in kidney tissue. Also, oxidative stress was evident in GM group by increased ROS, LPO and PCO level and GSH oxidation. Increased in inflammation process was shown by increase in NO and TNF-α. Administration of watercress extract was able to protect against deterioration in nephrotoxic markers and suppressed the increase in oxidative stress and inflammation markers.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed the critical role of oxidative damage and inflammation in GM-induced nephrotoxicity that markedly inhibited by administration of watercress. Therefore, watercress can be suggested for prevention of GM-induced nephrotoxicity.