Correlation between Biochemical and Morphometric Parameters in Gentamicin-Induced Kidney Injury: The Role of Co-Supplementation with Vitamins C and E

The purpose of our study was to determine the effects of co-treatment with vitamins C and E on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity and to quantify renal structural changes through morphometric analysis. Experiments were done on 24 Wistar rats divided into three groups of 8 animals each. The GM group animals were treated with gentamicin in the dose of 100 mg/kg. The GMEC group received both vitamin E in the dose of 100 mg/kg and vitamin C in the dose of 200 mg/kg together with gentamicin. The control group received normal saline. We confirmed nephrotoxicity in the GM group of rats by increased concentrations of creatinine and urea, altered parameters of oxidative stress (CAT, MDA, AOPP) and histopathological analysis of renal sections. Morphometric analysis showed increased glomerular basement membrane thickness and significant changes of glomerular and tubular parameters in the GM group. Analysis of parameters of oxidative stress showed that vitamins C and E significantly attenuated nephrotoxic effect of gentamicin; in addition, histological and morphometric analysis showed reduced histopathological damages of renal structures in the GMCE group. This study indicated that vitamins C and E could provide a significant protective effect against gentamicin-induced morphological and functional kidney alterations.