Protective effects of Carissa opaca fruits against CCl(4)-induced oxidative kidney lipid peroxidation and trauma in rat

BACKGROUND: Carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) is a potent nephrotoxin, as it causes acute as well as chronic toxicity in kidneys. Therefore, this study was carried out to assess the pharmacological potential of different fractions of Carissa opaca fruits on CCl(4)-induced oxidative trauma in the kidney. METHODS: The parameters studied in this respect were the kidney function tests viz, serum profile, urine profile, genotoxicity, characteristic morphological findings, and antioxidant enzymatic level of kidneys. RESULT: The protective effects of various fractions of C. opaca fruits against CCl(4) administration were reviewed by rat renal function alterations. Chronic toxicity caused by 8-week treatment of CCl(4) to the rats significantly decreased the pH level, activities of antioxidant enzymes, and glutathione contents, whereas a significant increase was found in the case of specific gravity, red blood cells, white blood cells, level of urea, and lipid peroxidation in comparison to control group. Administration of various fractions of C. opaca fruit with CCl(4) showed protective ability against CCl(4) intoxication by restoring the urine profile, activities of antioxidant enzymes, and lipid peroxidation in rat. CCl(4) induction in rats also caused DNA fragmentation and glomerular atrophy by means of dilation, disappearance of Bowmen's space, congestion in the capillary loops, dilation in renal tubules, and foamy look of epithelial cells of tubular region, which were restored by co-admiration of various fractions of C. opaca. CONCLUSION: Results revealed that the methanolic fractions of C. opaca are the most potent and helpful in kidney trauma.