Title:Role of Rosmarinus officinalis Aqueous Extract in Relieving the Complications Associated with Ethylene Glycol-induced Urolithiasis in Male Rats
Volume: 20
Issue: 10
Author(s): Doaa S. Foda*, Heba-tollah M. Sweelam and Noha E. Ibrahim
Affiliation:
- Therapeutic Chemistry Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Inistitute, National Research Centre,
Giza, Egypt
Keywords:
Nephrourolithiasis, Rosmarinus officinalis extract, therapeutic mechanisms of action, parathyroid gland, femur bone, kidney tissues.
Abstract:
Background: Rosmarinus officinalis is considered one of the famous plants from ancient
times for its therapeutic ability in many diseases, such as headache, spasms, brain disorders,
and some pathological conditions associated with toxicity cases in the liver and kidneys.
Aim: The current research has aimed, for the first time, to evaluate anti-urolithiatic effect of Rosmarinus
officinalis aqueous extract (RMAE) on calcium oxalate stones formation in male rats and
its possible therapeutic mechanisms of action. Evaluation of total phenolic and flavonoid contents
in the extract was also performed.
Methods: A calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis case was established in rats by adding ethylene glycol
(1%) to the rats' daily drinking water for a duration of one month. Treatment was achieved by
oral co-administration of RMAE to rats administrated ethylene glycol.
Results: Phytochemical results showed that LC/MS-MS analysis led to the identification of 37
compounds in the phytoconstituent profile of RMAE. The biochemical results revealed significant
improvement in serum kidney functions (urea, creatinine, and uric acid) in addition to restoring
the calcium x phosphorous product and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in the plant-treated
group compared to the non-treated one. The data have been supported by the significant decrease
in lactate dehydrogenase enzyme (LDH) expression in the liver tissues, reflecting the decrease in
oxalate synthesis in the liver compared to the non-treated group. Kidneys' histological examinations
showed the absence of oxalate crystals in the treated group and the immunohistochemical
findings of osteopontin (OPN) protein revealed the impact of RMAE on OPN expression in kidney
tissues. Improvements in the femur bone fractures and the parathyroid gland in the treated
group were also noticed during microscopic examinations.
Conclusion: The anti-lithiatic effect of the extract was attributed to its influence on serum phosphate,
serum PTH, and OPN levels in kidney tissues and decreasing synthesis of LDH in liver
tissues in addition to the prevention of secondary disease incidences, such as secondary hyperparathyroidism
and cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, the plant's considerable content
of phenolics and flavonoids has been found to play a role in controlling kidney stone progression
episodes.