Protective effect of beta-carotene on hepato-nephrotoxicity of gentamicin in male Wistar rats

Background

Despite causing significant tissue damage at the molecular and cellular levels, partly due to its induction of oxidative stress, it remains of interest in medical applications. Beta-carotene, found in fruits and vegetables, is being studied for its antioxidant properties. This study aimed to explore beta-carotene's protective effects against gentamicin-induced hepatorenal toxicity.

Method

Thirty male Wistar-rats were divided into five groups. Control group received normal-saline, while the canola group received canola oil (beta-carotene solvent). Gentamicin group received 100 mg/kg gentamicin injections for seven days. Beta-carotene groups were treated with beta-carotene at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg for 10 days, along with gentamicin from the fourth day for 7 days. Serum and tissue hepatorenal function tests were performed at the end of the study.

Results

Gentamicin resulted in hepatorenal damage. Beta-carotene alongside gentamicin significantly decreased serum SGOT (152.3 ± 12.7 vs. 264.8 ± 9.3 IU/L), SGPT (65.7 ± 2.5 vs. 98.0 ± 4.8 IU/L), creatinine (0.74 ± 0.0 vs. 1.5 ± 0.1 mg/dL), and urea (78.1 ± 10.7 vs. 207.4 ± 23.6 mg/dL) in comparison to gentamicin alone (p < 0.05). Beta-carotene caused a significant decrease in vacuolar degeneration, interstitial nephritis and infiltration of lymphocytes in kidney, and cell necrosis, vacuolar degeneration and infiltration of leukocytes compared to the gentamicin group; additionally, beta-carotene prevented increase in oxidative stress in gentamicin group.

Conclusion

Administration of gentamicin alone resulted in hepatorenal toxicity, whereas beta-carotene could prevent gentamicin-induced oxidative stress imbalance and tissue damage. Therefore, beta-carotene could serve as an adjunctive therapy to mitigate hepatorenal toxicity in patients undergoing gentamicin treatment.