Protective effect of naringin, a bioflavonoid on ferric nitrilotriacetate-induced oxidative renal damage in rat kidney.

An iron chelate, ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA), induces acute proximal tubular necrosis as a consequence of lipid peroxidation and oxidative tissue damage that eventually leads to high incidence of renal adenocarcinomas in rodents. This study was designed to investigate the effect of Naringin, a bioflavonoid with anti-oxidant potential, on Fe-NTA-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. One hour after a single intra-peritoneal (i.p.) injection of Fe-NTA (8 mg iron/kg body weight), a marked deterioration of renal architecture and renal function was observed. Fe-NTA induced a significant renal oxidative stress, demonstrated by elevated thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS) and reduction in activities of renal catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase. Pre-treatment of animals with Naringin, 60 min before Fe-NTA administration, markedly attenuated renal dysfunction, morphological alterations, reduced elevated TBARS, and restored the depleted renal anti-oxidant enzymes. These results clearly demonstrate the role of oxidative stress and its relation to renal dysfunction and suggest a protective effect of Naringin on Fe-NTA-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.