Evaluation of Nephroprotective Activity of Gallic Acid in Gentamicin-induced rat Model of Nephrotoxicity

Abstract

Introduction: Renal damage due to gentamicin is associated with oxidative stress. Gallic acid is a phenolic compound that possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, an attempt was made to explore the nephroprotective activity of gallic acid in gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. Materials and Methods: Wistar albino rats of either sex were used. Experimental nephrotoxicity was produced by intraperitoneal administration of gentamicin for 8 days. Rats were divided into five groups: Group I - normal control (normal Saline), Group II - gentamicin only treated group (100 mg/kg), Group III - gentamicin (100 mg/kg) + Vitamin C (200 mg/kg), Group IV (treatment group) - gentamicin (100 mg/kg) + gallic acid (200 mg/kg), and Group V - gentamicin (100 mg/kg) + gallic acid (400 mg/kg). The period of drug administration was of 8 days, in which animals were treated with Vitamin C and gallic acid. After the treatment for 8 days, the animals were sacrificed for the investigation of biochemical parameters and histopathological examination. Results: Gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity was successfully reproduced. Concurrent administration of gallic acid along with gentamicin significantly prevented the rise in level of serum creatinine, serum urea, blood urea nitrogen, and total protein. Administration of gallic acid also leads to increase glutathione and superoxide dismutase level in the kidney. Therefore, gallic acid had significantly prevented nephrotoxicity as compared to the group receiving gentamicin drug alone. Conclusion: These results showed that gallic acid is effective as nephroprotective agent.