Pomegranate Flower Extract does not Prevent Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Female Rats

BACKGROUND Nephrotoxicity is the major side-effect of cisplatin (CDDP), and it is reported to be gender-related. We evaluated the effects of pomegranate flower extract (PFE) as an antioxidant on CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity in female rats. METHODS Twenty-three adult female rats in four groups treated as following. Groups 1 and 2 received PFE at doses of 25 and 50 (mg/kg/day), respectively, for 9 days, and from day 3 on, they also received cisplatin (CDDP) (2.5 mg/kg) daily. Group 3 was treated as group 1 expects saline instead of PFE, and group 4 received PFE (25 mg/kg/day) alone. RESULTS Cisplatin alone increased the serum levels of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and nitrite; and kidney tissue damage score and kidney weight. However, PFE not only did not ameliorate the induced nephrotoxicity, but also aggravated renal tissue damage. CONCLUSIONS Pomegranate extract as an antioxidant did not ameliorate CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity in female rats.