Renal protection by ellagic acid in a rat model of glycerol-induced acute kidney injury

Studies conducted on animal models have shown that the administration of glycerol can lead to kidney tissue damage and impaired renal function. This is believed to be caused by oxidative stress and inflammation, which in turn can result in elevated levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. These metabolites are commonly used as indicators of renal function. The aim of the current experimental research was to investigate the protective efficacy of ellagic acid in a rat model of rhabdomyolysis induced by glycerol. Sixty healthy adult male Wistar rats weighing between 250 - 300 g were divided into five equal groups including control, rhabdomyolysis (administered 8.00 mL kg-1 of glycerol), and three rhabdomyolysis plus various doses of ellagic acid (25.00, 50.00 and 100 mg kg-1 per day; 72 hr after receiving glycerol for 14 days successively) groups. Serum levels of BUN, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, electrolytes and inflammatory cytokines were evaluated in all rats. Histopathological studies were also performed on kidney tissues from all groups. The administration of ellagic acid resulted in a significant increase in renal function biomarkers compared to the rats with acute kidney injury. This increase was consistent with notable reductions in tumor necrosis factor-α levels and increases in interleukin-10 levels observed in blood samples. Furthermore, the improvement in histopathological indices observed in rats received ellagic acid confirmed its nephroprotective role. The results of the current experimental study suggest that ellagic acid can improve kidney damage following glycerol injection, potentially by modulating the inflammatory process.