Effect of Azithromycin on the renal cortex of adult male albino rats and the potential protective role of Annona muricata (graviola) leaves extract: Histological and immunohistochemical study

Document Type : Original Article

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Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University

Abstract

Azithromycin (AZ) is a highly effective antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections. However, its use is associated with some serious renal adverse effects. Annona muricata, commonly known as graviola (GRV), is a tropical tree that has been used for its numerous medicinal properties for a long time. This work aims to evaluate the effect of AZ on the renal cortex of rats and the potential protective role of GRV leaves extract. Forty adult male albino rats were equally classified into four groups: Group I (Control), group II (GRV): Received GRV leaves extract (200 mg/kg/day) orally, group III (AZ): Received AZ (30 mg/kg/day) orally, group IV (GRV+AZ): Received GRV and followed by AZ using the same doses of group II and III. For four weeks, the medication was administered once daily. At the end of the experiment, blood and kidney samples were obtained. The AZ-treated group revealed severe alterations in the renal cortex such as degenerated glomeruli, distorted renal tubules with cytoplasmic vacuoles, massive cellular infiltration, and increased collagen deposition. Ultrastructural observations revealed glomerular basement membrane thickening, fusion of podocyte's feet processes, and degenerated mitochondria. A Highly Significant increase in p53-positive cell number, COX-2, and α-SMA immunoreactivity was noticed. Highly significant changes in serum urea, creatinine level, superoxide dismutase activity, and malondialdehyde level were detected. GVR administration with AZ minimized these changes. In conclusion, GVR leaves extract can be a promising protective agent for alleviating AZ-induced changes in the renal cortex.

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Biological and Biomedical Journal
Volume 3, Issue 2
July 2025
Pages 236-253

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