Reno-protective Effect of Citrus sinensis by Regulating Antioxidant Capability and Gene Expression in Adenine-Induced Chronic Kidney in Rats

This study was performed to evaluate the reno-protective and antioxidant effects of aqueous Citrus sinensis (orange) peel extract in male Wistar rats administrated adenine. Adenine was administrated to male Wistar rats at a dose of 0.75 percent w/w in feed daily for four weeks. Rats previously fed adenine were treated with orange peel extract at a dose of 40 mg/kg BW/day by oral gavage during the same period of adenine administration. The results indicate that rats fed adenine- with aqueous orange peel extract significantly decreased urea, creatinine, and uric acid concentrations in the blood. The elevated kidney lipid peroxidation product, the lowered glutathione concentration, and the suppressed antioxidant enzyme activities were significantly improved. At the same time, the expressions of heme-oxygenase1 (HO-1), wnt7a, and β-catenin genes were actively regulated. Histological changes in the kidney were represented by congestion, hypertrophied glomerulus, vacuolization of the endothelial cells lining the glomerular tuft, and interstitial nephritis in adenine-administrated rats also remarkably improved. In conclusion, administering orange peel aqueous extract with adenine reduces the signs of adenine toxicity on renal function by enhancing the antioxidant defense system.