Cisplatin-induced kidney damage and the protective effect of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.): an experimental study

Authors: DİLEK PANDIR, ÖZLEM KARA

Abstract: Bilberry is a natural antioxidant and has been utilized as a free radical scavenger to reverse the toxic effects of oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of bilberry on cisplatin-induced toxic effects in rat kidney. Materials and methods: Twenty-one female Wistar-albino rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: group I (control), one dose of saline solution; group II (cisplatin), single dose of 7.5 mg/kg of cisplatin; group III (cisplatin + bilberry), single dose of 7.5 mg/kg of cisplatin and 10 days of bilberry treatment applied as 200 mg/kg of bilberry. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured. Histopathologic damage to the kidney tissue was analyzed via light microscopic examination. Results: Severe necrosis, edema, hemorrhage, interstitial cell infiltration, vascular dilatation, glomerular atrophy, and tubular degeneration were observed in group II. SOD, CAT, and GPx activities were decreased and MDA levels were increased in the cisplatin group compared to the cisplatin + bilberry group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Kidney tissue damage was significantly higher in group II than in group III (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Bilberry is efficient in the treatment of cisplatin-induced kidney damage.

Keywords: Cisplatin, nephrotoxicity, rat, bilberry, protective effect

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