Effect of Arabic Gum Aqueous Extract on Histological, Ultrastructural, Immunohistochemical and Biochemical Changes on Colistin-Induced Nephropathy in Male Albino Rats

Although colistin is an old antibiotic used in the treatment of Gram-negative infections, its usage is associated with nephrotoxicity. Arabic gum (AG) is an edible, dried gummy exudate used in the pharmaceutical and traditional treatment and has a protective effect against nephropathy through its antioxidant action. Aim of this study: This study was performed to demonstrate the role of the Arabic gum aqueous extract (AGAE) in repairing nephrotoxicity induced by colistin. Materials and methods: Forty adult male albino rats were divided equally into four groups. Group 1: Animals of this group served as control ones. Group II: Animals were treated with AGAE only 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Group III: Animals were subcutaneously injected with colistin accumulative dose 84 mg/kg (14mg/kg of body weight in 6 doses one every 2 hours). Group IV: Animals were treated with the accumulative dose of colistin and on the next day they received the AGAE three times a week for 8 weeks. At the end of each experiment, animals were sacrificed and the two kidneys were removed out and prepared for the histological and ultrastructural examination. Sera of animals were collected to determine urea, creatinine, malondialdyhide, and superoxide dismutase. Results: The treatment with AGAE efficiency improving colistin nephrotoxicity is evident from disappeared of most histopathological and ultrastructural alternations. Moreover, the immunohistochemical expression of PCNA and Bcl-2severly increased after colistin treatment. While the AGAE-treatment improved the expressions of PCNA and Bcl-2. Also, it is proven that the AGAE retrains the biochemical parameters determined to the normal ranges. Conclusion: AGAE exerts a protective effect against renal toxicity induced by colistin through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic actions.