Quercetin improves survival rate of cisplatin-induced acute nephrotoxicity: A renal clearance and histopathological study

Abstract

The protective effects of quercetin in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxic rats were investigated. Renal functions using clearance techniques, histopathological analysis, and the oxidative status were determined on days 3, 7, and 14 after a cisplatin (7.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) injection. In cisplatin-treated rats, the survival rate decreased to 59% and 50% on days 7 and 14, respectively. Survived rats had a significant reduction in glomerular filtration rate and an increase in urinary Na+ and K+ excretion. Histopathological scoring revealed both glomerular and severe tubular damage along with a significant increase in renal malondialdehyde (MDA) and a reduction in catalase activity. Oral administration of quercetin (50 mg/kg, twice at 24 h and 10 min before cisplatin injection) not only increased the survival rate to 75% but also suppressed the elevation of renal MDA and improved both glomerular and tubular function. The responsible mechanism of the renal protection by quercetin may be via its antioxidant properties.

Keywords

• quercetin
• cisplatin
• nephrotoxicity
• renal tubular damage
• glomerular filtration rate