Protective effect of Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. fruit extract on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Aminoglycosides are extensively used owing to advantages such as low cost and availability. Nephrotoxicity induced by antibiotics has been analyzed in different animal models. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. fruit extract on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. In this experimental study, 25 rats were divided into five groups, including negative control (0.5 ml normal saline), positive control (80 mg/kg gentamicin and 0.5 ml normal saline), and three Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. fruit extract groups at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg concentrations plus 80 mg/kg gentamicin. All administrations were done intraperitoneally for 7 days. Thirty days after the first injection, blood samples were taken from the heart. Serum creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and sodium and potassium levels were measured. To prepare histological sections, the kidneys were kept in 10% formalin. Having prepared the histological sections, the volume of renal tubules (proximal and distal convoluted tubules and loop of Henle), renal vessels, interstitial tissue, and number and volume of renal glomeruli were measured. Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. fruit extract significantly increased serum urea (p = 0.023), creatinine (p = 0.009), volume of proximal convoluted tubules (p = 0.02), volume of distal convoluted tubules (p = 0.032), loop of Henle (p = 0.038), and glomeruli (p = 0.015). However, it significantly reduced the volume of vessels (p = 0.009) and interstitial tissue (p = 0.001). The 400 mg/kg concentration exerted the highest effect. Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. fruit extract has protective effects against gentamicin-induced renal impairments. © 2018, Springer-Verlag London Ltd., part of Springer Nature.