Amelioration of renal and hepatic function, oxidative stress, inflammation and histopathologic damages by Malva sylvestris extract in gentamicin induced renal toxicity

Abstract Background Gentamycin, contrary to its wide range of antimicrobial effects, has a high potential for nephrotoxicity, and renal injury can have effects on other organs such as the liver. Objectives The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of hydro alcoholic Malva sylvestris (MS) extract on nephrotoxicity induced by gentamicin, and also its remote organ injury in the liver. Methods Renal and hepatic functions were evaluated through measurement of creatinine, urea-nitrogen, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in plasma. Oxidative stress was assessed through measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) levels, and histopathologic injuries were evaluated using H & E stained sections. For evaluation of inflammation, TNF-α and ICAM-1 mRNA expression levels were measured in the renal tissue using Real-time PCR method. Results Gentamicin resulted in an increase in the levels of creatinine, urea-nitrogen, AST, ALT, and ALP in the plasma, as well as an increase in TNF-α and ICAM-1 mRNA expression levels in the renal tissue, renal and hepatic histopathologic injuries and MDA level, and a decrease in FRAP. Administration of MS led to improvement in the function of kidney and liver, a decrease in the expression levels of proinflammatory factors, reduction of oxidative stress, and also a decrease in tissue injuries. Conclusion MS extract can protect the kidney against toxic effects of gentamicin, and thus, the degree of harmful effects of nephrotoxicity on remote organs including the liver will be decreased.