| dc.description.abstract | Introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy in 1998 in the treatment of HIV led to
dramatic decrease in morbidity and mortality among HIV infected patients translating it into a
chronic manageable condition. Atazanavir was a recommended first line therapy for HIV
treatment. However, it is nephrotoxic with prolonged use and may lead to irreversible renal
damage. Allium sativum, a common food supplement is known for its antioxidant properties but
its nephroprotective properties in Atazanavir nephrotoxicity has not been studied. The present
study investigated the effects of A. sativum extract on serum creatinine, Urea, Uric Acid and
Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium & Chloride) on male laboratory wistar rats. The study also
determined effects of the A. sativum extract on kidneys histology. This was an experimental
study conducted at the University of Eldoret, Department of Biological Sciences, Zoology
laboratory. Thirty-nine (39) male wistar rats of approximately the same age and weighing
between 150g- 250g were sourced from Chiromo campus of the University of Nairobi and
transported to the University of Eldoret – zoology laboratory where they were allowed two
weeks to acclimatize. During the acclimatization period all the experimental animals were
accustomed to handling by the animal attendant. Thereafter, the animals were randomly divided
into 3 groups (Control, Treatment and Intervention groups) of 13 animals each. Treatment group
received Atazanavir 10mg/kg, Intervention group received Atazanavir (10mg/kg.bwt) and A.
sativum extract (250mg/kg.bwt) while control group received normal saline (1.5ml).
Administration of drugs was by gavage. Blood sampling was done twice (14 days apart) during
pre-treatment and later 2 weekly for 6 weeks during treatment phase. The blood samples we used
to determine electrolytes (Na+, K+& Cl-), nitrogenous metabolites (Creatinine and Urea) and Uric
Acid levels using automated clinical Chemistry analyzer (Reflectron Automated Analyzer,
Beckman, U.S.A). At the end of the study, 4 representative animals from each group were
sacrificed and kidney tissue were harvested for histological examination. Quantitative data were
expressed as Mean ± standard Error of Mean (SEM) and the difference of means among
treatment groups was measured by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s
Honest Significant Difference test. Values were statistically significant when P < 0.05. The
study showed that Atazanavir administration caused increased in Creatine, Urea, Electrolytes
(Na+, K+& Cl-) and Uric acid while co-administered with A. sativum extract, the levels
significantly (p<0.05) decreased to near normal as compared to control animals. Kidney tissue
from experimental animals showed features of renal cell nephritis characterized by clear and
enlarged podocytes, irregular infiltrating cells with hyperchromatic nuclei, marked
pleomorphism and expanded mesangial matrix. The Atazanavir effects on the kidney histology
were reversed when the treatment was co-administered with A. sativum extract. A. sativum
extract exhibited nephroprotective activity. The findings of the present study showed that A.
sativum extract ameliorates effects of Atazanavir leading to reduction in Creatinine, Urea,
Electrolytes (Na+, K+& Cl-) and Uric Acid. Therefore, A. sativum extract can be further tested
and recommended for use as a supplement in Atazanavir treatment. | en_US |
