Ameliorative effect of morin hydrate, a flavonoid against gentamicin induced oxidative stress and nephrotoxicity in Sprague-Dawley rats

Objective: Morin Hydrate was recently shown to provide a protection of cultured rat glomerular cells in vitro against oxyradical damage, and as a anticancer agent through inhibition of NF-ǨB pathway. Mainly, we have demonstrated that free radical mechanism mediates, in part in Gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity. The main purpose of the study is to determine the protective effect of Morin Hydrate, mediated through inhibition of free radical mechanism against Gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in-vivo. Methods: Fourty two Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 2 major categories i.e Normal control and Gentamicin treated rats. Normal control rats were again divided into two groups i.e., Vehicle and Morin Hydrate treated (100 mg/kg, p.o, 4^th - 18^th day). Gentamicin treated animals were divided into 5 groups i.e., prophylactic (treatment was started from 1^st day of the study), Gentamicin control, Morin Hydrate treated at 50, 100 and 200mg/kg, p.o. Renal function parameters like serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured. The levels of antioxidant parameters, and total protein values were determined. Histopathology changes were evaluated. Results: Morin Hydrate significantly attenuates the effects of Gentamicin induced weight loss and increase in the kidney/body weight ratio in all treated groups. However, it also causes the reduction of Scr, BUN levels and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels etc in all Morin Hydrate treated groups significantly (p< 0.05 and p< 0.01). In-case of antioxidant enzyme levels there is a dose dependent increase in its levels in all Morin Hydrate treated groups. In Pre-treated groups there is a significant reduction of Scr, BUN levels (p<0.01) and there is no significant reduction of ROS, tissue nitrite levels, however there is a significant (p< 0.05) increase in levels of antioxidant enzymes like reduced glutathione (GSH), super oxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and total protein levels. Conclusion: Therefore, our present data suggests that Morin Hydrate attenuates the Gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity by intervening the oxidative stress.