Protective effect of proanthocyanidins against doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Doxorubicin (DOX) exerts toxic effects in several organs particularly kidney. The present study aimed to assess the protective effect of proanthocyanidins (PAs) against DOX-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. A single dose of DOX (7.5mg/kg, i.v.) significantly increased kidney weight, kidney/body weight ratio, serum urea, creatinine, tumor necrosis factor alpha levels, and kidney contents of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, cyclooxygenase-2, and caspase-3 activity with significant reduction in final body weight, serum albumin, kidney contents of reduced glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase activity as compared with control group. In contrast, pretreatment with PAs (200mg/kg, p.o.) for 14 days before DOX and for 7 days after DOX ameliorated kidney function and oxidative stress parameters. Histopathological evidence confirmed the protective effects of PAs from the tissue damage induced by DOX. In conclusion, PAs have a multi-nephroprotective effect that might be attributed to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptoic activities.