Nephrotoxicity and its prevention by catechin in ferric nitrilotriacetate promoted oxidative stress in rats

Abstract

Intraperitoneal injection of ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA) to rats and mice results in iron-induced free radical injury and cancer in kidneys. This study was designed to investigate the effect of catechin, a bioflavonoid with antioxidant potential, on Fe-NTA-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Four groups were employed in the present study. Group I served as control group, Group II animals received Fe-NTA (8 mg iron/kg body weight i.p.), Group III animals were given 40 mg/kg catechin p.o. twice a day for 4 days and on the 5th day Fe-NTA was challenged, and Group IV animals received catechin alone for 4 days. Renal function was assessed by measuring plasma creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. The oxidative stress was measured by renal malondialdehyde levels, reduced glutathione levels and by enzymatic activity of catalase, glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase. One hour after a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of Fe-NTA (8 mg iron/kg), a marked deterioration of renal architecture, renal function and severe oxidative stress was observed. Pretreatment of animals with catechin markedly attenuated renal dysfunction, reduced elevated thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS), restored the depleted renal antioxidant enzymes and normalized the renal morphological alterations. These results clearly demonstrate the role of oxidative stress and its relation to renal dysfunction, and suggest a protective effect of catechin on Fe-NTA-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.