Nephroprotective Roles of L-Cysteine, Silymarin and Ursodeoxycholic acid, against Carbon Tetrachloride induced Nephrotoxicity in Male Albino Rats

Abstract

Background and objectives: The comparison of histopathological and biochemical effects of L-cysteine,
silymarin, and ursodeoxycholic acid, which may have a protective effect on kidney function against carbon
tetra chloride (CCl4) induced nephrotoxicity, were investigated in this study.
Methods: Twenty adult male rats were divided into five groups and treated as follows; Group I: control group
was administrated 1.5 ml/kg. B.W normal saline (0.9%) orally by gavage, group II: carbon tetrachloride group
(CCl4 1.5 ml/kg. B.W), group III: L-cysteine (100mg/kg B.W.) +CCl4 group, group IV: ursodeoxycholic acid
(50 ml/kg B.W.) +CCl4 group, and group V: Silymarin 100 mg/kg. B.W with CCl4, the experiment lasted 30
days.
Results: Oxidative stress caused by CCl4 leads to an increase in serum creatinine and urea levels while
decreasing the level of uric acid and albumin compared with the control group. L-cysteine, silymarin, and the
drug presented ameliorating effects by decreasing the creatinine and urea levels while increasing uric acid
and albumin levels. Histopathological results showed that CCl4 caused oxidative damage in kidney tubules in
comparison with the control group, while Silymarin and L-cysteine showed nephroprotective effects.
Conclusions: The findings show that CCl4 caused hepatic and renal toxicity, and this toxicity can be
attenuated by the administration of L-cysteine, Ursodeoxycholic acid, and silymarin, probably by antioxidant
action, although further tests are required to fully assess the antioxidant property of L-cysteine,
Ursodeoxycholic acid, and silymarin against CCl4 toxicity.