Ameliorative Properties of the Chloroform Stem Bark Extract of Abrus precatorius against Gentamicin-induced Renal Damage in Rats

Aims: This study seeks to evaluate the nephroprotective effects of chloroform stem bark extract of Abrus precatorius in a murine model of gentamicin-induced renal damage.

Materials and Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups; A being the normal control group and given normal saline. B as the toxicant group was given Gentamicin (GM) at 100 mg/kg, intraperitoneally for six days; C received chloroform extract of Abrus precatorius at 100 mg/kg administered orally three days prior and concurrently with gentamicin for six days, D received 200 mg/kg of the extract and was administered orally for three days prior and concurrently with gentamicin for six days and E received gentamicin administered intraperitoneally for six days followed by administration of 200 mg/kg chloroform extract of Abrus precatorius for three days. Body and organ weight were determined. Serum and kidney homogenate were obtained. Creatinine, urea, Xanthine oxidase, Myeloperoxidase and Nitric oxide were assayed for in the serum. Advanced oxidative protein product, Protein carbonyl, Malondialdehyde, Hydrogen peroxide, Superoxide dismutase, Reduced Glutathione, Glutathione-S-transferase, Glutathione peroxidase, Protein thiol, Non-protein thiol were assayed for in the renal homogenate. Histopathological analysis and immunohistochemistry using Bcl2, CRP and NFKB were done to check for structural changes and protein expressions respectively.

Results: Markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were significantly increased in the toxicant group, but a significant reduction of these markers in the extract treated groups at pre and post treatment periods. Both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant level in the toxicant group were significantly depleted, whereas the levels of these enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant levels were significantly elevated in a dose dependent manner in the extract treated groups. Histopathology revealed tubular necrosis, areas of inflammation, glomerular atrophy, and congestion in the toxicant group. These were ameliorated in the extract treated groups. Immunohistochemistry revealed decreased expression of Bcl2 and increase protein expression of CRP and NFKB in the toxicant group; however, the reverse was seen in the extract treated groups.

Conclusions: From these results, it can be concluded that the chloroform extract of Abrus precatorius stem bark has nephroprotective properties.