Protective effect of resveratrol against aluminum chloride induced nephrotoxicity in rats

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the potential protective effect of resveratrol (RES) on aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. METHODS: This experimental study was conducted from April to June 2015 at the Medical College of King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The experiments were performed on 24 male Wistar rats. The rats were randomly allocated into 4 groups; 1) group A: control rats received only normal saline, 2) group B: received RES dissolved in normal saline, 3) group C: model group and received AlCl3 dissolved in normal saline and 4) group D: RES treated group and received concomitant doses of RES+AlCl3. All treatments were administered for consecutive 40 days. After 40 days of treatments, kidney function tests, oxidative stress parameters and histopathological assay were evaluated. RESULTS: all findings clearly showed significant deteriorations in kidney function and architectures after AlCl3 exposure. This was accompanied by increased renal oxidative stress and inflammation suggesting strong pro-oxidant activity of AlCl3 in spite of its non-redox status. Resveratrol co-treatment with AlCl3 to the rats showed significant improvement in all biochemical and histological parameters related to kidney function and structure. CONCLUSION: The findings of the current study showed that RES pre-administration to rats ameliorates renal damage and improves renal function in AlCl3 intoxicated rats in a mechanism related to its antioxidant potential.