Prevention of CCl4-induced nephrotoxicity with Sonchus asper in rat.

Sonchus asper (SA) is locally used in renal aliments. The present work investigated the antioxidant effects of S. asper methanolic extract (SAME) against CCl(4)-induced nephrotoxicity in Sprague-Dawley male rats. CCl(4) (3 ml/kg b.w., i.p.; 30% in olive oil) biweekly for 4 weeks induced lipid peroxidation, as reflected by significant increase of TBARS; diminished the renal antioxidant defenses, as revealed by a decrease of the level of GSH, CAT, SOD, GST, GSR, GSH-Px and QR while elevated the level of gamma-GT, H(2)O(2) and nitrite contents. CCl(4) caused histopathological injuries and significantly increased the renal AgNORs count and DNA damage. Telomerase activity in kidney was determined positive with CCl(4) treatment. Creatinine, urobilinogen and urea concentration was increased whereas creatinine clearance was decreased in serum and urine. Level of protein and albumin was increased in urine while reduced in serum. Serum level of nitrite was increased with CCl(4) treatment. Treatment of rats with SAME (100, 200mg/kg b.w.) effectively ameliorated the alterations induced with CCl(4) in lipid peroxidation, antioxidant defenses, biochemical markers, genotoxicity and renal lesions. The present data suggests that SAME protect the kidneys possibly by alleviating the oxidative stress induced with CCl(4) in rat.