Protective effect of Cupressus macrocarpa and Dioon edule against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Abstract

Context: It has been reported that Cupressus macrocarpa Hartw. ex Gordon (Cupressaceae) and Dioon edule Lindl. (Zamiaceae) contain compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects; therefore, they may exert a nephroprotective effect. Aims: To explore the renoprotective effect of C. macrocarpa and D. edule and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: Ten male Wister rats were used for each group of control (1% CMC in saline), gentamicin (GM, 40 mg/kg), D. edule leaves methanol extract (DLM), C. macrocarpa leaves combined petroleum ether and methanol extract (CLEM) and C. macrocarpa roots methanol extract (CRM). Rats were orally administered the extracts (250 mg/kg) daily concomitantly for 9 days with GM. Evaluation of kidney function, histopathology and measuring renal AMPK-α1, NF-κB and iNOS genes expression were carried out. There were no symptoms of systemic adverse effects in any treated group. Results: Blood urea nitrogen (mg/dL) was significantly reduced by CLEM (24.0 ± 1.205) and CRM (22.889 ± 1.250). Creatinine (mg/dL) was significantly decreased by CLEM (0.59 ± 0.022) and CRM (0.580 ± 0.029). Gene expression of AMPK-α1 enhanced by CLEM (16.717 ± 0.430), CRM (19.18 ± 0.871), DLM (0.417 ± 0.020). iNOS was downregulated by CLEM (0.9 ± 0.056), CRM (1.53 ± 0.044), and DLM (1.642 ± 0.050). NF-κB was decreased by CLEM (1.148 ± 0.076), CRM (0.918 ± 0.065), and DLM (1.783 ± 0.071). CRM and CLEM exhibited normal to mild renal degeneration and mild to moderate expression of iNOS. Conclusions: C. macrocarpa extracts exhibited significant renoprotective effect and could be considered as a new promising strategy against renal complications.

Keywords

• ampk-α1
• blood urea nitrogen
• creatinine
• inos
• nf-κb