The effects of boric acid and quercetin on contrast media-induced nephropathy in rats

Abstract

We aimed to determine the effects of boric acid and quercetin on contrast media-induced nephropathy in rats. Thirty-two rats were divided into four equal groups with eight rats in each group: the control (C) group, contrast media (CM) group, contrast media plus boric acid (CMB) group, and contrast media plus quercetin (CMQ) group. Boric acid (H-3(BO)(3), 4% solution) at a dose of 200 mg/kg was administered by oral gavage to rats in the group CMB once daily for 4 consecutive days (days 1 to 4). Quercetin at a dose of 50 mg/kg was administered by oral gavage to rats in the CMQ group once daily for 4 consecutive days (days 1 to 4). A significant decrease was found in the serum urea and creatinine levels in the CMQ group compared with the CM group (P <0.01). The serum nitrite and nitrate levels were higher in the CM group than in the C group and were lower in the CMQ group than in the CM group (P <0.01). A significant decrease in the severity of tubular necrosis was found in the CMQ group compared to the CM group (P <0.05). Quercetin had protective effects against contrast nephropathy, but no beneficial effect of boric acid was found.