Abstract

PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF SPINACEA OLERACEA EXTRACT ON CsA INDUCED CHANGES IN RENIN ALDOSTERON SYSTEM OF ADULT ALBINO RAT

*Ahmad M., Tahir M., Lone K. P. and Urooj Zehra

Abstract

Background: Cyclosporine A (CsA), a calcineurin inhibitor is used as first line therapy after solid organ transplant to prevent organ rejection. Renin-aldosterone system plays an important role in progression of CsA induced nephrotoxicity. Aims and objectives: The Present study aims to observe the effects of spinach (Spinacea oleracea) on CsA induced kidney damage and altered renin, aldosterone levels. Material and Methods: Twenty eight rats weighing 150-175 g were divided into 4 groups; A, B, C and D. Group A served as control and was given 2 ml/kg of olive oil for 7 days. Group B was given Cyclosporine A, 20 mg/kg dissolved in 2 ml of olive oil intraperitoneally for 7 days. Group C was given 0.5 ml of 1% n-hexane extract of Spinacea oleracea for 14 days concomitantly with Cyclosporine A, 20 mg/kg dissolved in 2 ml of olive oil intraperitoneally from day 7 to 14. Group D was given 0.5 ml of 1% n-hexane extract of Spinacea oleracea for 14 days. Results: The results showed that CsA treated rats failed to gain weight and paired weight of both kidneys increased. CsA treatment significantly raised blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, renin and aldosterone levels. However, significant improvements were observed in all these parameters following the concurrent administration of Spinacea oleracea (SO) extract with CsA. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that SO extract has protective effect on the CsA induced renal toxicity and altered renin, aldosterone levels.

Keywords: Cyclosporine A, nephrotoxicity, Renin aldosterone system, Spinacea Olerace