Oral intake of Pomegranate Peels Stimulate Glutathione levels and Superoxide Dismutase Activity to Protect Against Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity

Abstract

Cisplatin (CP) mediates the excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and subsequently causes organ dysfunction; mainly in the kidney. Therefore the aim of this study is to test the ability of pomegranate peel methanol extract (PPME) to stimulate superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels to protect against CP-induced nephrotoxicity. SOD activity and GSH level were colorimetrically evaluated in kidney tissue homogenate. Serum creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were also estimated. The results of this study showed that CP elevated both Cr and BUN levels. These were pathologically confirmed using histopathological examinations. On the other hand, oral intake of PPME significantly reduces these kidney markers. These may be due the successful enhancement in the SOD activity and GSH level. Again, the decrease in serum Cr, and BUN confirms this reparative effect of the oral intake of PPME. Thus it can be used to partially protect against CP-induced nephrotoxicity; at least in part, in rats..