Ameliorative effect of ferulic acid on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in a rat model; role of antioxidant effects

Introduction: The nephrotoxicity of gentamicin is thought to be a dangerous side effect in the use of this drug caused by the formation of oxidative stress and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrogen species. Antioxidant agents play important roles in reducing oxidative stress. Objectives: In this study, the antioxidant role of ferulic acid has been studied in nephrotoxicity caused by gentamicin. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 50 Spraque-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups. The first group was considered as the control group and other groups received different doses of ferulic acid + 80 mg/kg gentamycin for 8 days by intraperitoneally injection. After the treatment, blood samples were prepared from animals. Then, the right and left kidneys were removed, paraffin blocks prepared, and the rest of the tissues were lysed. Three samples were used to evaluate serum creatinine and urea, as well as urine creatinine, histopathologic status and oxidative stress factors levels, respectively. To compare the results of different groups, Mann-Whitney U test was used. Results: Ferulic acid treatment decreased tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), serum urea and creatinine, urine albumin/creatinine ratio and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and also increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT). Ferulic acid reduced tubular necrosis and eosinophilic casts in gentamycin group induced nephrotoxicity. Conclusion: Ferulic acid can be effective in inhibiting gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity.