Evaluation of the Protective Effect of Cranberry in Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats

Authors : Meryem Karapınar, Enes Güncüm, Efe Kurtdede, Merve Bişkin, Yaşar Şahin, Emine Baydan
Pages : 206-216
Doi:10.31196/huvfd.1804391
View : 77 | Download : 159
Publication Date : 2025-12-24
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :Gentamicin (GTC) is a widely used aminoglycoside antibiotic, but its therapeutic application is limited by nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic effects primarily driven by oxidative stress. This study investigated the potential protective role of cranberry (CRB) (Vaccinium macrocarpon), known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, against GTC-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Hepatic biochemical and histopathological parameters were also evaluated as supportive markers of systemic toxicity. Thirty-two rats were divided into four groups: Control, CRB, GTC + CRB, and GTC. GTC (80 mg/kg, s.c.) and CRB (200 mg/kg, p.o.) were administered for seven consecutive days. Biochemical analyses showed significant increases in serum BUN, urea, creatinine, ALT, and AST levels in the GTC group, confirming renal and hepatic impairment. Co-treatment with CRB reduced these elevations and improved antioxidant parameters, reflected by decreased MDA and oxidative stress index levels and increased total and native thiols (p < 0.001). Gene expression analyses demonstrated that GTC upregulated pro-apoptotic genes (Bax, caspase-3, -9) and downregulated the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, whereas CRB co-administration reversed these alterations. Histopathological evaluations supported the biochemical findings, revealing severe tubular and hepatocellular necrosis, inflammatory infiltration, and hemorrhage in the GTC group, which were markedly alleviated by CRB supplementation. These results suggest that CRB may exert a partial renoprotective effect against GTC-induced oxidative and apoptotic damage, possibly through its antioxidant and cytoprotective properties.
Keywords : Antioxidant, Cranberry, Gentamicin, Nephrotoxicity, Oxidative stress

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