Nephroprotective Effect of Costus (Saussurea costus) Ethanolic Extract on Oxaliplatin®-induced Nephrotoxicity in Adult Male Wistar Rats.

Abstract

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Oxaliplatin<sup>®</sup> is an antineoplastic platinum-based compound; nephrotoxicity is one of its most serious side effects. This study aimed to explore the nephroprotective potential of Costus Ethanolic Extract (CEE) against Oxaliplatin<sup>®</sup>-induced nephrotoxicity. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Adult male Wistar rats, weighting 140-160 g, were randomly divided into four groups: (1) Normal rats, (2) Rats ingested with CEE (67.08 mg kg<sup>1</sup> day<sup>1</sup>), (3) Rats injected (ip) with Oxaliplatin<sup>®</sup> (10 mg kg<sup>1</sup> week<sup>1</sup>) and (4) rats treated with CEE in combination Oxaliplatin<sup>®</sup> injection. <b>Results:</b> After six weeks of treatments, the results revealed that CEE ingestion along with Oxaliplatin<sup>®</sup> injection markedly minimized the Oxaliplatin<sup>®</sup>-induced renal deterioration; this was evidenced by the significant reduction in serum urea, creatinine, uric acid, Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin 1Beta (IL<sup>1</sup>β) and Sodium ion (Na<sup>+</sup>) levels as well as kidney Malondialdehyde (MDA), Nitric Oxide (NO) and DNA fragmentation values. Controversially, a marked rise in serum Calcium, Potassium Ion (K<sup>+</sup>) and Cluster of Differentiation 4 (CD4) levels besides renal Glutathione (GSH), Catalase (CAT) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) values. Similarly, the histopathological findings confirmed the biochemical ones as the CEE restored the Oxaliplatin<sup>®</sup>-induced histological degenerations. <b>Conclusion:</b> In conclusion, CEE exhibited nephron-protection efficiency against Oxaliplatin<sup>®</sup>-induced nephrotoxicity; this promising effect may be achieved through the antioxidant and radical scavenging activities of its constituents.