Reno-Protective Properties of Azolla pinnata Extract Against Gentamicin-Induced Kidney Damage Are Attributed to Its Antioxidant Effects.

Authors
Mohammad Ghanbari Alamoti 1
Farideh Jalali Mashayekhi 1
Naser Hosseini 2
Houshang Najafi 3
Saeed Changizi-Ashtiyani 4
1 Arak University of Medical Sciences
2 University of Arak
3 Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences
4 Iran University of Medical Science
10.61882/ibj.5194
Abstract
Background: Gentamicin, a powerful aminoglycoside antibiotic, is limited in clinical use due to dose-related kidney toxicity, mainly caused by oxidative stress. A. pinnata, an antioxidant-rich aquatic fern, has not been extensively studied for renoprotection against GM-induced kidney damage. This research assessed the protective effects of a hydroalcoholic extract of A. pinnata on GM nephrotoxicity.

Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n = 8): control, sham, GM (100 mg/kg/day, i.p.), and GM plus A. pinnata extract (10 or 20 mg/kg/day, orally). After seven days, renal function markers (serum creatinine and urea), oxidative stress parameters (MDA, FRAP, CAT, and GPX), TNF-α, and renal histopathology were assessed.

Results: GM significantly damaged kidney function and induced oxidative stress, as shown by increased levels of creatinine, urea, and MDA, along with reduced FRAP and CAT activity (p < 0.05). Co-treatment with A. pinnata extract, especially at 20 mg/kg, significantly lessened these effects by restoring kidney function markers, boosting antioxidant defenses, and lowering lipid peroxidation. The extract did not have a significant impact on either GPX activity or TNF-α levels. Histopathological analysis revealed that GM-induced tubular necrosis and glomerular damage were significantly ameliorated by A. pinnata in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusion: A. pinnata extract offers notable protection against kidney damage caused by gentamicin, mainly by enhancing the body's natural antioxidant defenses, decreasing lipid peroxidation, and maintaining the normal structure of kidney tissue. These findings suggest that A. pinnata could serve as a valuable complementary treatment to improve the safety of GM use.
Keywords
Gentamicins
Kidney failure
Oxidative stress
Iranian Biomedical Journal
Volume 29, Issue 5 - Serial Number 120
September and October 2025
Pages 352-359