Protective effects of Sesbania grandiflora on kidney during alcohol and polyunsaturated fatty acid-induced oxidative stress

Context: Kidney is an organ highly vulnerable to damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS), due to abundance of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the composition of renal lipids. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of alcohol-induced tissue injury. This leads to membrane damage by lipid peroxidation, alteration of enzyme function and formation of acetaldehyde protein adducts. Many alcoholics along with alcohol consume fried foods that are normally made up of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). The toxic effects of alcohol are further enhanced by the consumption of PUFA. Objective: In our study, we analyzed the effect of Sesbania grandiflora (S. grandiflora) on alcohol and PUFA-induced oxidative stress in male albino Wistar rats. Materials and methods: The levels of lipid peroxidative markers (thiobarbutric acid reactive substances [TBARS] and lipid hydroperoxides [HP]), the levels of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase) and non-enzymatic (reduced glutathione, vitamin E, vitamin C) antioxidants were analyzed in kidney to evaluate the effects of S. grandiflora. Results: The levels of TBARS and HP were significantly increased in alcohol + Delta PUFA group, which were found to be reduced on treatment with S. grandiflora. The levels of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants were decreased in alcohol + Delta PUFA group, which were found to be restored on treatment with S. grandiflora. Conclusion: From this, we conclude that S. grandiflora protects the kidney against alcohol and PUFA-induced oxidative stress, which can be attributed to the phenolic compounds and anthocyanins present in the plant.