Ameliorative effect of virgin olive oil against nephrotoxicity following sub-chronic administration of ethephon in male rats.

BACKGROUND

Ethephon (EP) is the most famous plant growth regulator with different adverse effects on kidney function. Virgin Olive Oil (VOO) is considered as a natural source of antioxidant with beneficial effects. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of VOO on nephrotoxicity induced by EP in rats.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

In this study, 80 male rats (weighing 200-250 g) were divided into four groups including : control group received normal saline as vehicle, received VOO, received EP (150 mg/kg/day) for 2 months, received EP (150 mg/kg/day for 2 months, after 2-month pretreatment with VOO. VOO (2 mL/kg/day) and vehicle were administered by gastric gavage for 2 months. At the end, the animals were sacrificed, and their blood and kidneys were used for examinations. Isolated kidneys were used for histopathological and oxidative stress studies.

RESULTS

Significant increases were recorded in blood (neutrophils, monocytes) and urinary parameters as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the group III compared to groups II and I (P˂0.05). Antioxidant enzymes significantly declined and histopathological alterations increased in the group III. In the group IV, significant decreases were recorded in blood and urinary parameters, MDA, and histopathological alterations and a significant increase were found in antioxidant enzymes compared to group III (P˂0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings of the present study demonstrated protective effects of VOO in prevention of kidneys against EP -induced toxicity in albino rats.