Affiliations: Pharmacology division, University Institute of
Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh-160014, India
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Dr. (Mrs.) Kanwaljit Chopra, Reader
in Pharmacology, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab
University, Chandigarh-160014, India. Tel.: +91 172 2534105; Fax: +91 172
2541142; E-mail: dr_chopra_k@yahoo.com
Abstract: Background: Nephrotoxicity is a major complication and a dose
limiting factor for cisplatin therapy. Recent evidence suggests that enhanced
oxidative stress caused by oxygen-centered free radicals may contribute to the
pathogenesis of cisplatin-induced acute renal failure. 6-Gingerol is claimed to
be a potent antioxidant. The present study was performed to explore the
renoprotective potential of 6-gingerol on cisplatin-induced oxidative stress
and renal dysfunction. Methods: 6-Gingerol in dosages of 12.5, 25, 50 mg/kg was
administered 2 days before and 3 days after cisplatin administration. Renal
injury was assessed by measuring serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen,
creatinine, urea clearance and serum nitrite levels. Renal oxidative stress was
assessed by determining renal malondialdehyde levels, reduced glutathione
levels and enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase. Results: A single dose of cisplatin resulted in marked renal
oxidative and nitrosative stress and significantly deranged renal functions.
6-Gingerol treatment significantly and dose-dependently restored renal
functions, reduced lipid peroxidation and enhanced the levels of reduced
glutathione and activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates the renoprotective
potential of 6-gingerol against cisplatin-induced oxidative stress and renal
dysfunction in rats. Hence, 6-gingerol has a potential to be used as
therapeutic adjuvant in cisplatin nephrotoxicity.
