Protective effects of boron and vitamin E on ethylene glycol-induced renal crystal calcium deposition in rat.

OBJECTIVES: Kidney stone disease is a common form of renal disease. Antioxidants, such as vitamin E (Vit E) and boron, are substances that reduce the damage caused by oxidation.

METHODS: Adult male rats were divided into 5 groups (n=6). In group 1, rats received standard food and water for 28 days (control group); in group 2, standard rodent food and water with 0.75% ethylene glycol/d (dissolved in drinking water) (EG Group); in group 3, similar to group 2, with 3 mg of boron/d (dissolved in water) (EG+B Group); in group 4, similar to group 2, with 200 IU of vitamin E injected intraperitoneally on the first day and the 14th day, (EG+Vit E Group); in group 5, mix of groups 3 and 4, respectively (EG+B+Vit E Group).

RESULTS: Kidney sections showed that crystals in the EG group increased significantly in comparison with the control group. Crystal calcium deposition score in groups of EG+B (160), EG+Vit E, and EG+B+Vit E showed a significant decrease compared to EG group. Measurement of the renal tubules area and renal tubular epithelial histological score showed the highest significant dilation in the EG group. Tubular dilation in the EG+B+Vit E group decreased compared to the EG+B and EG+Vit E groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Efficient effect of boron and Vit E supplements, separately and in combination, has a complimentary effect in protection against the formation of kidney stones, probably by decreasing oxidative stress.