Protective Role of Ascorbic Acid and Alpha -Tocopherol against Acetaminophen-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats

Abstract

Acetaminophen (APAP) can cause life-threatening renal damages and there is no specific treatment for APAP-induced renal damage. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of Vitamins C and α- tocopherol on APAP-induced nephrotoxicity. Nephrotoxicity was induced in male Wistar Albino rats by the administration of a single dose of 2000 mg/kg APAP (p.o.). Rats were pre-treated for 28 days with either Vitamin C (8 mg/kg/day, p.o) or α- tocopherol (5 mg/kg/day, p.o.). Acetaminophen (2000 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered on the 27^th day, prior to sacrifice on day 28.  Serum urea and creatinine levels were measured using fully automated clinical chemistry devise and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and antioxidant enzyme activity were determined in the renal tissue. Histopathological studies of the kidneys were carried out. APAP administration caused elevated levels of renal MDA, marked depletion of GSH levels and other antioxidant enzyme activity. There was deterioration in renal function as assessed by the increased serum urea and creatinine levels as compared to control rats. Vitamins C and α- tocopherol treated groups markedly reduced the elevated MDA levels, significantly (p less than 0.05) increased the antioxidant enzyme activity and normalized the altered renal morphology in rats treated with APAP. Vitamins C and α- tocopherol might be potential agents against APAP-induced nephrotoxicity, but further studies are required to affirm these findings before clinical application becomes possible.