Role of ascorbic acid in counteracting ferric nitrilotriacetate-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

CONTEXT

Ascorbic acid (AA) is a naturally occurring organic compound with antioxidant properties. It is necessary for normal growth and development, and has been shown to protect against tissue toxicity and oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVE

The protective effect of AA against nephrotoxicity induced in albino rats by ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA) was evaluated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male albino rats of Wistar strain (4-6 weeks old) weighing 125-150 g were used in this study. Animals were given a single dose of Fe-NTA (9 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneal) after a week of treatment with AA (1 and 2 mg/animal/day).

RESULTS

Fe-NTA treatment enhanced microsomal lipid peroxidation (LPO) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generation to 1.7- to 2.2-fold, glutathione (GSH) levels were decreased by two-fold and the activities of GSH metabolizing enzymes decreased to a range of 2.2- to 2.5-fold in renal tissue. These changes were reversed significantly in animals receiving pretreatment of AA. Treatment of rats with AA prior to the treatment with Fe-NTA decreased microsomal LPO and H2O2 generation to 124 and 172%, and also resulted in the recovery of reduced levels of GSH, GSH-metabolizing enzymes to almost 92% at the higher dose level of AA.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

AA protects against Fe-NTA-induced nephrotoxicity and renal damage. AA has a beneficial impact on Fe-NTA-induced toxicity due to its scavenging and antioxidant effect in albino rats.