Nephroprotective effects of gallic acid and hesperidin in aluminum chloride-induced toxicity in rats

Abstract

Aluminum toxicity has become a reason for concern in recent times. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of hesperidin and gallic acid in aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Thirty Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups of five animals apiece. Group one served as the control and received distilled water while the study lasted. Animals in groups 2-4 received AlCl3 (100 mg/kg/day) throughout the study. Animals in groups 3 and 4 were administered 100 mg/kg/day gallic acid and 100 mg/kg/day hesperidin, respectively, in addition to 100 mg/kg/day AlCl3. Groups 5 and 6 were treated with 100 mg/kg/day gallic acid only and 100 mg/kg/day hesperidin only, respectively. Treatments were administered via oral gavage, with distilled water as vehicle. The study lasted for 21 days. Activities of glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase as well as levels of malondialdehyde, interleukin 1β and caspase-3 were evaluated in kidney homogenate, while levels of kidney function markers were evaluated in the serum. Results showed that AlCl3 significantly (p < 0.05) lowered the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the kidney of rats, with a concomitant increase in malondialdehyde, interleukin-1β and caspase-3 levels. In addition, AlCl3 significantly (p < 0.05) elevated serum levels of urea, uric acid and bilirubin. Treatment with gallic acid or hesperidin however ameliorated the observed imbalances in biochemical indices evaluated in both serum and kidney of experimental animals. Findings from biochemical evaluations were corroborated by results of histopathological evaluation of the kidney. It could therefore be concluded that both gallic acid and hesperidin possess potent nephroprotective properties in AlCl3-inducednephrotoxicity in Wistar rats.