Pomegranate seed oil protects against tacrolimus-induced toxicity in the heart and kidney by modulation of oxidative stress in rats

Objective: The clinical use of tacrolimus is limited due to its side effects. This research investigated the protective activities of pomegranate seed oil (PSO) against TAC toxicity. Materials and Methods: The groups are included normal (1 ml of corn oil), TAC (2 mg/kg), and co-treatment of PSO (0.4 and 0.8 ml/kg) and TAC. All administrations were carried out intraperitoneally for 14 days. After the last injection, blood was collected from the heart. Results: TAC increased creatinine and urea. Increased malondialdehyde, reduced thiol content and superoxide dismutase. The elevation of lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine kinase-MB and creatinine phosphokinase that confirmed cardiac toxicity. PSO reduced TAC toxicity. PSO decreased TAC-induced pathology injury. Conclusion: PSO reduced TAC toxicity in renal and heart via scavenging free radicals.

Automated summary

This research demonstrates that pomegranate seed oil has protective effects against the toxicity of tacrolimus, reducing renal and cardiac damage by scavenging free radicals.