Abstract

Administration of natural antioxidants has been used to protect against nephrolithiasis. Urolithiasis was induced by ethylene glycol (EG) in Wistar rats. For 4 weeks, group 1 (control) was fed with a standard commercial diet. Group 2 received the same diet with 0.75 of EG. Group 3 received EG plus the diet and water added with antioxidant nutrients and lime juice as the dietary source of citrate (EG + AX). Group 4 same as group 3 with no EG in water. For 8 weeks, group 5 was fed the standard diet with EG in water for the first 28 days, followed by no EG. Group 6 received the diet with EG for the first 28 days, followed by discontinuation of EG and addition of antioxidant nutrients. Group 7 were provided the diet with antioxidant nutrients for 8 weeks. Group 8 received the diet with antioxidant nutrients for 4 weeks, followed by antioxidant nutrients with EG for the next 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected and kidneys were removed. The size and the mean number of crystal deposits in EG-treated groups was significantly higher than the EG-treated groups, added with antioxidant nutrients and lime juice. After 4 weeks, the mean concentration of malondialdehyde in group 2 was higher than the group 3, and significantly lower in group 4; and in groups 7 after 8 weeks, as well. After 8 weeks, supplementation developed less mean number of deposits in group 6 as compared to group 5; and in group 8, the crystal deposits was substantially less than either group 2 or group 5 (EG-treated rats). Elevated concentration of androgens (as promoters of the formation of renal calculi) as a result of EG consumption decreased following antioxidant supplementations. Results showed a beneficial effect of antioxidant and provided superior renal protection on treating and preventing stone deposition in the rat kidney.