The Antioxidant Effects of Artemisia deserti Ethanolic Extract and Diazinon on Male Rat Kidney

Background Artemisia is a diverse genus of Asteraceae family that has pharmacological effects such as antiinflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic and is used for treatment of diseases, including antioxidant effects against oxidative stress. Objectives This study investigated the antioxidant effects of Artemisia deserti Krasch extract and diazinon. Materials and Methods In this experimental study, Artemisia deserti was collected from Isfahan, Iran then 20 g of flower powder was extracted with 150 mL 80% ethanol and the 100, 200 mg/kg concentrations of ethanolic extract were prepared. The 48 male rats were divided in to 6 groups include the 1. Control, 2. diazinon treated group, 3. Diazinon + extract (100 mg/kg), 4. Diazinon + extract (200 mg/kg), 5 and 6. extract treated groups (100 and 200 mg/kg) respectively. The blood samples were collected and the rate of urea, uric acid, creatinine, serum total antioxidant and MDA (malondialdehyde) were assayed in serum. Also, the kidney tissue was isolated for histopathological examination. Finally, the statistical comparisons were done with one-way ANOVA test. Results The rate of creatinine and MDA were changed significantly in the group that had received the extract (200 mg/kg) alone. Moreover, results indicate tissue disorders in all groups compared to controls, including the degeneration of proximal and distal tubules, atrophied glomeruli and accumulation of inflammatory cells. These abnormalities were associated with oxidative stress in some groups. Conclusions Diazinon cause oxidative stress and kidney disorders, similar to the effect of artemisinin on kidney; therefore, simultaneous use of these compounds could enhance the toxic effects.