Effect of Antioxidant Activity of Naringin and CoQ10 Against Acetaminophen-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Male Rats

Abstract

Acetaminophen overdose is a known cause of nephrotoxicity, primarily through oxidative stress mechanisms. This study evaluated the potential renoprotective effects of the antioxidants naringin and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) against acetaminophen-induced kidney damage. Forty-two male rats were divided into six groups (n=7): control, acetaminophen (1g/kg), naringin (100mg/kg), CoQ10 (100mg/kg), acetaminophen + naringin, and acetaminophen + CoQ10. Treatments were administered orally for 60 days. Serum levels of urea, creatinine, calcium, phosphate, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed. Acetaminophen administration caused a significant (p<0.05) decrease in SOD, GPx, calcium, and phosphate levels, alongside an increase in MDA, urea, and creatinine levels compared to the control. Co-treatment with both naringin and CoQ10 significantly ameliorated these changes. Notably, naringin exhibited a more potent protective effect, normalizing kidney function parameters and oxidative stress markers to levels comparable with the control group. The findings demonstrate that naringin and CoQ10 confer protection against acetaminophen-induced nephrotoxicity by attenuating oxidative stress. Naringin proved to be a more effective therapeutic agent in this model, suggesting its potential for clinical application in preventing drug-induced kidney injury.