Green tea and bilberry protective effect against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Abstract

The aim of our study was to investigate if green tea and bilberry have protective effect on gentamicin-induced kidney damage, when applied together, and to make a connection between their effects. GM group of rats received only gentamicin, GT group received green tea only, B group received only bilberry, whereas control (C) group received saline only. GT+GM group received green tea together with gentamicin, and B+GM group received bilberry together with gentamicin. Biochemical analysis showed significantly increased urea and creatinine levels in GM group when compared to groups that also received bilberry or green tea. Histological analysis showed complete disruption of glomerular basal membrane as well as basal membranes of both proximal and distal tubules in GM group. These destructive effects were significantly milder and limited only to proximal tubules when bilberry or green tea was applied simultaneously with gentamicin. Both green tea and bilberry protective effect on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity is manifested because of their strong antioxidant activity. Since they are strong antioxidants, widely distributed in nature, they can offer available and inexpensive adjuvant therapy in Gram-negative infections, which can relieve gentamicin nephrotoxicity, but will not affect its bactericidal effect.