Evaluation of protective and curative role of alpha-lipoic acid and selenium in gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rabbits

ABSTRACT

Gentamicin induces nephrotoxicity, hence the present study explores protective and curative effects of alpha-lipoic acid and selenium alone and in combination in gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. Forty rabbits were randomly segregated into control, protective and curative groups. The groups A and B received water [10 ml/kg/day] and gentamicin [I/M, 80 mg/kg/day], respectively as normal and gentamicin controls. Four hours before gentamicin nephrotoxic dose, the protective subgroups C, D and E received alpha-lipoic acid, selenium and combination [50 mg/kg/day alpha-lipoic acid and 10 mg/kg/day selenium], respectively and then continued for 20 days. Nephrotoxicity was induced in curative subgroups F, G and H with gentamicin sulphate for 9 days and from 10[th] day onwards, followed the same treatments as for protective group for 26 days. Blood urea nitrogen [BUN], creatinine and antioxidant activity [AOA] were measured in all the groups. Combination of alpha-lipoic acid [50 mg/kg/day] and selenium [10 mg/kg/day] significantly reduced BUN [58.64%] and creatinine [17.48%] in protective subgroups treated for 20 days as compared to control without affecting AOA [p<0.05]. Decrease of 82.19% BUN and 77.38% creatinine, and 46.66% increase in AOA was noted on day 26 in curative group treated with the combination of antioxidants. The combination of alpha-lipoic acid and selenium [50 mg/kg/day alpha-lipoic acid and 10 mg/kg/day selenium] was found to be effective in prevention and treatment of gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity