Extracts of Apium graveolens (Celery) attenuate hepato-renal injury induced by chronic administration of gentamicin in mice through activation of Nrf2-antioxidant signaling pathways.

Objective: This study aimed at investigating the protective effect of extracts from Apium graveolens against gentamicin-induced hepato-renal toxicity.

Materials and methods: The aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts of A. graveolens designated respectively as WAG and HAG were tested for their in vitro antioxidant activities. Then, their cytoprotective effects were assessed against gentamicin-induced cytotoxicity in primary mouse hepatocytes. Finally, mice were administered with gentamicin (20 mg/kg) and co-treated with HAG for 14 days, and histopathology, biochemical and molecular parameters related to gentamicin-induced toxicity were evaluated.

Results: HAG exhibited outstanding chemical antioxidant activities and preserved hepatocytes from gentamicin-induced cytotoxicity. HAG relieved liver and kidney histopathological and biochemical changes, and enhanced the mRNA level of Nrf2 and its target gene HO-1 in gentamicin-intoxicated mice.

Conclusion: HAG attenuates hepato-renal injuries induced by 14-days administration of gentamicin in mice through the activation of Nrf2-antioxidant signaling pathways.