The Nephrotoxic Effect of Chloroquine, The OFF-Label Anti COVID 19 and Possible Protective Role of Ginkgo Biloba Extract in Male Albino Rats

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt

2 Lecturer of pathology, Faculty of medicine ,Tanta university

3 Lecturer of medical biochemistry and molecular biology Faculty of medicine ,Tanta university

4 Lecturer of Pharmacology department, Faculty of Medicine – Tanta University

5 Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Chloroquine is a historical antimalarial drug with nephrotoxic potentialin overdose. Lately, it has been tried for COVID 19 therapy. Ginkgo biloba leaves extract is an effective antioxidant and free radical hunter. OBJECTIVES: This investigation aimed to assess the nephrotoxic effect of chloroquine, and the potential nephroprotective role of Ginkgo biloba extract on the kidney of male albino rats. METHODS: Rats were grouped into 4 subgroups. Group I: the control (0.9% saline for 10 days orally). Group II: (Ginkgo biloba leaves extract); (200 mg/kg body weight orally for 10 days). Group III: (chloroquine) (970 mg/kg body weight chloroquine once orally at the termination of the 9th day). Group IV: (Ginkgo biloba leaves + chloroquine); (chloroquine on day seven as mentioned + Ginkgo biloba leaves for 10 days). After ten days, rats were anesthetized and sacrificed, and blood samples were collected to measure renal functions, malondialdehyde, and glutathione reductase. Renal tissue catalase enzyme, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and malondialdehyde levels were quantified as well. Hematoxylin & eosin-stained renal sections obtained from all groups were examined under a light microscope. RESULTS: Chloroquine induced significant increases in urea, creatinine, malondialdehyde, and a decrease in other tested antioxidant parameters in the chloroquine group than in the control group. Ginkgo biloba leaves could be of value in chloroquine -intoxicated rats. It significantly recovers renal functions and decreases malondialdehyde, strengthens the antioxidant markers, and improves histopathology. CONCLUSIONS: Ginkgo biloba extract could safeguard renal tissue against chloroquine -induced nephrotoxicity by improving the antioxidant function

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