Nephrotoxicity is the main complication of
gentamicin (GM) treatment. GM induces renal damage by overproduction of
reactive oxygen species and
inflammation in proximal tubular cells. Phenolic compounds from ginger, called gingerols, have been demonstrated to have
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. We investigated if oral treatment with an enriched
solution of gingerols (GF) would promote a nephroprotective effect in an animal nephropathy model. The following six groups of male Wistar rats were studied: (i) control group (CT group); (ii)
gingerol solution control group (GF group); (iii)
gentamicin treatment group (GM group), receiving 100 mg/kg of
body weight intraperitoneally (i.p.); and (iv to vi)
gentamicin groups also receiving GF, at doses of 6.25, 12.5, and 25 mg/kg, respectively (GM+GF groups). Animals from the GM group had a significant decrease in
creatinine clearance and higher levels of urinary
protein excretion. This was associated with markers of oxidative stress and
nitric oxide production. Also, there were increases of the
mRNA levels for proinflammatory
cytokines (
tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α],
interleukin-1β [IL-1β], IL-2, and
gamma interferon [IFN-γ]). Histopathological findings of tubular degeneration and inflammatory cell infiltration reinforced GM-induced nephrotoxicity. All these alterations were attenuated by previous oral treatment with GF. Animals from the GM+GF groups showed amelioration in renal function parameters and reduced lipid peroxidation and nitrosative stress, in addition to an increment in the levels of
glutathione (GSH) and
superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Gingerols also promoted significant reductions in
mRNA transcription for TNF-α,
IL-2, and IFN-γ. These effects were dose dependent. These results demonstrate that GF promotes a nephroprotective effect on GM-mediated nephropathy by oxidative stress, inflammatory processes, and renal dysfunction.