Extracts from guava fruit protect renal tubular endothelial cells against acetaminophen­induced cytotoxicity.

ABSTRACT

Acetaminophen (APAP) is an analgesic and antipyretic agent primarily used in the clinical setting. However, high doses of APAP can cause oxidative stress. Guavas have been reported to provide anti­inflammatory, anti­microbial, anti­oxidative and anti­diarrheal functions. In addition, guavas have been reported to prevent renal damage due to progression of diabetes mellitus. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether guavas can reduce APAP­induced renal cell damage. In the present study, extracts from guavas were obtained and added to APAP­treated renal tubular endothelial cells. The present results demonstrated that APAP induces cytotoxicity in renal tubular endothelial cells, while guava extracts inhibited this cytotoxicity. In addition, the study demonstrated that the protective effects of guava extracts against APAP­induced cytotoxicity may be associated with inhibition of oxidative stress and caspase­3 activation.