The Renoprotective Effect of Honey on Paracetamol - Induced Nephrotoxicity in Adult Male Albino Rats

Objectives: Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the development of drug-induced nephrotoxicity. Honey has been known to be effective against oxidative stress-induced diseases. The study aims to investigate the antioxidant and ameliorative protective impact of clover flowers honey against paracetamolinduced nephrotoxicity in rats. Material and methods: Forty adult male albino rats (120-180 gram b.wt.) were divided into four groups (n= 10 in each group). The animals in the control group (group I) did not receive any treatment, while those in group II received clover flowers honey (2 g/kg/day , p.o) for 4 weeks. The animals in group III received paracetamol (640 mg/kg, p.o), while in group IV, rats were pretreated with clover flowers honey (2 g/kg/day, p.o) for 4 weeks before paracetamol administration. At the end of the experiment, 24hrs urine was collected for glucose and protein determination, while blood was sampled for serum GSH, urea and creatinine determination. The kidneys were removed for assessment of tissue SOD, CAT and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha). Results: Exposure of rats with a nephrotoxic dose of paracetamol disturbed the kidney function tests; blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (SC) levels, decreased the antioxidant capacity of GSH and SOD and elevated renal TNF-alpha. The protective use of clover flowers honey before paracetamol-induced nephrotoxicity resulted in a significant improvement in all evaluated parameters, rendering most of the disturbed parameters to their normal levels. Conclusion: Results of the present study suggest that the protective activity of clover flowers honey may be related to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. [Basma K. Ramadan and Mona F. Schaalan. TheRenoprotective Effect of Clover Flowers Honey on Paracetamol Induced Nephrotoxicity in Adult Male Albino Rats[Life Science Journal2011;8(3):589-596]. (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com.92