Antinephrotoxic efficacy of Operculina turpethum and its isolated Stigma-5,22dien-3-O-b-D-glucopyranoside against N-Nitrosodimethylamine induced renal carcinogenesis in male mice

Abstract

Objectives: Human exposure to nitrosamines can result from the formation of N ? nitroso compounds either in food during storage or preparation or in vivo , usually in the stomach. N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is one of the main N-nitroso compounds which is commonly found in drinking water and is a potent carcinogen. The therapeutic effect of ethanolic root extract of Operculina turpethum was studied for its possible anti-cancerous potential induced by N- Nitrosodimethylamine in male albino mice as the in vivo model for the study. Methods: Renal malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione content (GSH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), protein, cholesterol, urea and creatinine content were measured as oxidant/antioxidant markers. Electron Microscopy investigations of the renal tissue were also performed. One-way ANOVA test was used for comparisons of parameters in study groups. Results: Renal antioxidant defense systems, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase activities and reduced glutathione level, depleted by NDMA were restored to normal by the treatment. Oral administration of Operculina turpethum ethanolic extract, both crude and isolated groups recovered the enzyme activities and caused significant increase in serum protein, the treatment significantly reduced the elevated serum creatinine and urea levels (p>0.05), (p<0.01), (p<0.001). The ultrastructural electron microscopical analysis showed a decrease in cellular degradation comparing to the intoxicated mice. Conclusion: These findings prove the potential of Operculina turpethum as an antioxidant therapy to counteract mitochondrial and post-mitochondrial oxidative stress generated in kidney upon NDMA treatment thereby acting against renal toxicity by a carcinogen.