The Effect of Receiving L-Glutamine on the Reduction of Renal Tissue Damages and Renal Function Recovery Following Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats

Gentamicin is one of the aminoglycoside antibiotics that commonly causes nephrotoxicity. Antioxidants are effective in reducing gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. In this study, we investigated the possible effect of L-Glutamine on the reduction of renal tissue damages and renal function recovery in gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

In this experimental study, 32 rats were divided into four groups of eight: Sham group, Gentamicin group (100 mg/kg i.p for 12 days), L-Glutamine group (30 mg/kg by gavage for 12 days), Gentamicin+L-Glutamine group. Then through anesthesia, the blood sample was collected via cardiac and its serum was used to measure the BUN and creatinine levels. The kidney of the rat was used to measure malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) and determine histopathological parameters.

Receiving gentamicin causes significant elevation in BUN, Creatinine, MDA of the kidney, tubular necrosis, eosinophilic cast, and leukocyte infiltration compared to sham group (p<0.05). CAT, GPX, and GSH in gentamicin group caused significant decrease compared to the sham group (p<0.05). Glutamine has significantly decreased the MDA level, and leukocyte infiltration compared to gentamicin group (p<0.05). Glutamine caused significant increase in GPX (CAT in group 4) compared to gentamicin group (p<0.05) and in group 3, BUN, tubular necrosis, eosinophilic caused significant decreases compared to gentamicin group (p<0.05).

Receiving L-Glutamine, 30 mg/kg orally for 12 days has an effective role in the reduction of kidney injuries induced by gentamicin.