Effect of pomegranate flower extract on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Chemotherapy with cisplatin (CP) is accompanied with nephrotoxicity. In the current study, pomegranate flower extract (PFE) has been evaluated as anantioxidant agent against CP-induced-renal toxicity. Thirty two male Wistar rats were divided into five groups (6-8 in eachgroup). The animals in groups 1 to 3 received PFE (25 mg/kg), PFE (50 mg/kg), and placebo(saline), respectively for 9 days, and onset of the day 3, they also received CP (2.5 mg/kg/day). Groups 4 and 5 were treated with PFE (25 and 50 mg/kg/day) for 9 days. Finally,the animals were sacrificed at day 9 after collecting blood samples. Kidneys were removed,weighted, and underwent histopathological investigation. The mean serum level of creatinine in group 3 (treated with CP and placebo) increasedsignificantly (p<0.05), but the value decreased significantly (p<0.05) in group 1. Kidneyweight in group 1 was lower than KW in groups 2 and 3, however it was significant whencompared with group 2 (p<0.05). The serum nitrite level in group 2 was non-significantlylower than that in other groups, and no significant changes were observed in serum levelsof malondialdehyde (MDA). Tissue level of nitrite was significantly decreased in the positivecontrol and high dose of PFE plus CP-treated groups (p<0.05). Among CP-treated groups,low dose of PFE significantly improved kidney nitrite level (p<0.05). The results fromhistopathological staining indicated less tissue damage in group 1 when compared withgroup 3. It seems that low dose of PFE plays a protective role against CP-induced renaltoxicity in rats.