Anti-nephrolithiatic Activity of Acacetin in Ethylene Glycol-Induced Nephrolithiasis in Rats

Abstract

Nephrolithiasis, commonly known as kidney stones, is a prevalent urological disorder characterized by the accumulation of crystalline deposits in the kidneys. This condition is linked to considerable morbidity owing to the accompanying colicky pain, the necessity for surgical interventions, and the risk of advancing to chronic renal disease. This study focused on investigating the beneficial effects of acacetin on ethylene glycol (EtGl)-induced nephrolithiasis in rats. Nephrolithiasis was initiated in rats by treating 0.75% EtGl for 4 weeks, followed by treatment with acacetin. The urine volume and urinary pH of the experimental animals were regularly analyzed. After the sacrifice of rats, samples were collected, and the creatinine, uric acid, total protein, primary electrolytes, and mineral contents were measured using kits. The samples were analyzed for oxidative stress indicators and inflammatory cytokines utilizing kits. The histology analysis was performed on the kidneys. The acacetin treatment effectively reduced the kidney weight, urine pH, and urinary total protein levels while increasing the urine volume in the nephrolithiasis-induced rats. The levels of potassium, magnesium, and sodium were reduced, and calcium was increased in the serum of acacetin-treated rats. While the magnesium, potassium, and sodium levels were increased, and calcium and phosphorus were reduced in the urine samples of the acacetin-treated rats. Furthermore, the acacetin treatment also reduced the creatinine, BUN, and uric acid in the serum and increased the creatinine and uric acid in the urine of the nephrolithiasis-triggered rats. In addition, the acacetin successfully diminished the inflammatory cytokine concentrations while enhancing the concentrations of antioxidants in the nephrolithiasis-induced rats. In addition to the biochemical assays, the histopathological findings also supported the anti-nephrolithiatic activity of the acacetin. The current findings indicate that acacetin is efficacious in EtGl-induced nephrolithiasis and significantly reduces renal damage. The therapeutic activities of acacetin may be due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and nephroprotective characteristics.