Effect of Morin against Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Young Male Rats

Background: Morin, a bioflavonoid with antioxidant properties, is a constituent of many herbs and fruits that are used as herbal medicines. It exhibits many biological activities and possibly even has protective effects against chronic diseases. The present study was conducted to determine the protective effect of morin against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in young male rats.Material and Methods: Young male rats (n=24) were divided into four groups as follow; (1): control group, (2): gentamicin (GM) group; rats injected intraperitioneally (i.p.) with GM at a dose of 100 mg /kg body weight (b.w.) for five consecutive days to induced nephrotoxicity, (3): morin group; rats administered morin daily at a dose of 30 mg/ kg b. w. via gavage, and (4) GM group pretreated with morin; rats were orally received morin at the same dose and route in group (3) up to two weeks followed by injected i.p. with GM as in group (2). Separated serum samples were used for determination of protein metabolism parameters, kidney functions, malondialdehyde (MDA), and ionic sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+). Results: GM injection induced marked nephrotoxicity as evidenced by significant elevation in serum levels of albumin, creatinine, urea, uric acid, MDA and K+, with significant reduction in serum levels of total protein, Na+ and albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR). Pretreatment with morin protected the rats from GM- induced nephrotoxicity as evidenced by significant improvement of these investigated parameters. Histological examination of renal tissues showed marked glomerular thickening, vacuolations of the wall of blood vessels associated with necrobiotic changes in GM injected group, meanwhile there were amelioration in rats group received morin pre-GM injection.Conclusion: Morin exert potential antioxidant activity and offer nephroprotective effect against GM- induced nephrotoxicity in young rats.