Protective role of salicylic acid in gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity.

Salicylic acid, a phenolic compound, found in plants, possesses free radical scavenging and iron chelation properties. The present study is designed to study the antioxidant effect of salicylic acid in gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in rabbits. For this purpose twenty four male albino rabbits were divided into 4 groups (n=6); control group, healthy untreated rabbits, gentamicin group, received only gentamicin (80mg/kg), gentamicin + salicylic acid group, received gentamicin (80mg/kg) + salicylic acid (80mg/kg) and salicylic acid group, received only salicylic acid (80mg/kg) via intra peritoneal route for 21 consecutive days. Biochemical evaluation was carried out by assessment of body weights and by estimating renal function tests (plasma urea, plasma creatinine and plasma uric acid), tissue antioxidant enzymes (catalase, SOD) and MDA level. Gentamicin induction resulted in decreased body weights, increased plasma urea, plasma creatinine, plasma uric acid, tissue MDA level and decreased tissue SOD and tissue catalase activity in gentamicin treated group which was restored by supplementation with salicylic acid in gentamicin + salicylic acid group. Our data suggests that supplementation of salicylic acid can be useful in reducing gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in rabbits.