Electron microscopic evaluation of milk thistle, chicory, and vitamin E effects on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rat

Abstract

Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside with nephrotoxic effects; however, it seems that antioxidants such as vitamin E, milk thistle, and chicory extracts can reduce these effects. To test this, 60 male Wistar rats (200–250 g) were randomly allocated into six groups (n = 10). Each animal received intraperitoneal injections daily for 14 days: group 1—distilled water (1 ml) (control); group 2—gentamicin; group 3—gentamicin and milk thistle; group 4—gentamicin and chicory; group 5—gentamicin and vitamin E; and group 6—gentamicin, vitamin E, milk thistle, and chicory. At termination, blood was taken, to measure the serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine, and the kidneys were taken, sampled, and processed for examination using a transmission electron microscope. Using milk thistle, chicory and vitamin E all showed a decrease in both dense bodies and damage to the nucleus. These observations were more pronounced in the group that received milk thistle, chicory, and vitamin E together. The levels of BUN and creatinine in all treatment groups were significantly lower compared to those of the gentamicin group (group 2). In conclusion, milk thistle, chicory, and vitamin E, individually, can reduce kidney damage caused by gentamicin, but they have a greater effect in reducing damage if used together.