Gene transcription and antioxidants production in Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis grown under temperature variation.

AIM: To investigate the transcription of selected antioxidants and relevant genes under varying temperature conditions, and to identify the optimum temperature for antioxidants production by Arthrospira platensis. METHODS AND RESULTS: The dry weight (DW), pigment production, antioxidants production and gene transcription were examined in A. platensis growing under three temperatures of 23, 30 and 37°C. The cyanobacterial DW was highest in the high temperatures (30 and 37°C), while the pigments, such as Chl a, carotenoids, C-phycocyanin and total phycobiliprotein contents, showed their maximum value at 30°C. The total soluble protein and carbohydrate contents were highest at 30°C. Lipid peroxidation, as a marker for thermal stress, was high at 23°C, while higher temperatures remarkably reduced lipid peroxidation levels. Antioxidants activity was increased by 1·5-fold at 30°C and temperature fluctuations induced the antioxidant enzyme activities. The transcriptional abundance of heat shock protein (HSP90), glutamate synthase (GOGAT), delta-9 desaturase (desC), iron-superoxide dismutase (FeSOD) and the large subunit of Rubisco (rbcL) genes was measured under the same temperatures. CONCLUSION: The optimal temperature for growth, biochemical constituents and antioxidants of A. platensis is 30°C while some antioxidant enzyme activity increased at lower and higher temperatures. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The study showed the significance of temperature for growth, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants and gene expression in A. platensis. This contributes to the knowledge of culturing A. platensis to harvest specific antioxidants or as an antioxidant-rich food source.

Spirulina platensis mediated the biochemical indices and antioxidative function of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) intoxicated with aflatoxin B1.

Aflatoxicosis is one of the threats that cause severe mortalities in fish farms. The dietary functional additives are a friendly approach attributed to beneficial effects on aquatic animals. The study aimed at evaluating the impact of Spirulina platensis (SP) on the biochemical indices and antioxidative function of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) intoxicated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). A control diet and 3 test diets were enriched with 0% SP/0 mg AFB1/kg (control), 1% SP (SP), 2.5 mg AFB1/kg diet (AFB1), and 1% SP+2.5 mg AFB1/kg diet (SP/AFB1). The diets were supplied to three aquaria for each group twice daily at the rate of 2.5% for 30 days. The blood alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and aspartate transaminase (AST) were significantly increased by AFB1 toxicity with regards to fish fed the control and SP diets (P < 0.05). The inclusion of SP in the diet of tilapia intoxicated with AFB1 lowered the levels of ALT, AST, and ALP in comparison to fish contaminated with AFB1 without SP (P < 0.05). The total blood protein and albumin were decreased in fish contaminated with AFB1 (P < 0.05); however, the dietary SP resulted in improving the blood protein and albumin with similar levels with the control and SP diets. The urea and creatinine were increased in tilapia fed AFB1 diet without SP (P < 0.05); however, the inclusion of SP reduced the levels of urea and creatinine with similar levels with the control and SP diets. The antioxidative capacity of Nile tilapia fed SP and contaminated with AFB1 is expressed by superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. The activities of SOD and GSH were decreased by AFB1 (P < 0.05); however, dietary SP increased the SOD and GSH in fish fed AFB1. On the other hand, the concentration of MDA was increased in tilapia fed AFB1 (P < 0.05); however, SP decreased the level of MDA in fish fed AFB1. In conclusion, the application of SP in the aquafeed seems to be an innovative approach to relieve the toxic influences of AFB1 on aquatic animals.

Detailed characterization of the Arthrospira type species separating commercially grown taxa into the new genus Limnospira (Cyanobacteria).

The genus Arthrospira has a long history of being used as a food source in different parts of the world. Its mass cultivation for production of food supplements and additives has contributed to a more detailed study of several species of this genus. In contrast, the type species of the genus (A. jenneri), has scarcely been studied. This work adopts a polyphasic approach to thoroughly investigate environmental samples of A. jenneri, whose persistent bloom was noticed in an urban reservoir in Poland, Central Europe. The obtained results were compared with strains designated as A. platensis, A. maxima, and A. fusiformis from several culture collections and other Arthrospira records from GenBank. The comparison has shown that A. jenneri differs from popular species that are massively utilized commercially with regard to its cell morphology, ultrastructure and ecology, as well as its 16S rRNA gene sequence. Based on our findings, we propose the establishment of a new genus, Limnospira, which currently encompasses three species including the massively produced L. (A.) fusiformis and L. (A.) maxima with the type species Limnospira fusiformis.

Fishmeal replacement with Spirulina Platensis and Chlorella vulgaris in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) diet: Effect on antioxidant enzyme activities and haematological parameters.

This study explored fishmeal replacement with two freshwater microalgae: Spirulina Platensis and Chlorella vulgaris in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) diet. The effect of inclusion of the two microalgae on biomarkers of oxidative stress, haematological parameters, enzyme activities and growth performance were investigated. The juvenile fish were given 3 distinct treatments with isonitrogenous (35.01-36.57%) and isoenergetic (417.24-422.27 Kcal 100 g-1) diets containing 50% S. platensis (50SP), 75% S. platensis (75SP), 50% C. vulgaris (50CL), 75% C. vulgaris (75CL) and 100% fishmeal (100% FM) was used as the control diet. The result shows that all the diets substituted with both S. platensis, and C. vulgaris boosted the growth performance based on specific growth rate (SGR) and body weight gain (BDWG) when compared with the control diet. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) was significantly influenced by all the supplementations. The haematological analysis of the fish shows a significant increase in the value of red and white blood cells upon supplementation with 50SP and 50CL but decrease slightly when increased to 75SP and 75CL. Furthermore, the value of haematocrit and haemoglobin also increased upon supplementation with 50SP and 50CL but decrease slightly when increased to 75SP and 75CL. The white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC) increased, while total cholesterol (TCL), and Plasma glucose levels decreased significantly upon supplementation of algae. This is a clear indication that S. platensis and C. vulgaris are a promising replacement for fishmeal, which is a source protein in the C. gariepinus diet.

Mixed fermentation of Spirulina platensis with Lactobacillus plantarum and Bacillus subtilis by random-centroid optimization.

Spirulina platensis is a high-nutrient blue-green alga with a long history as a food supplement. In this study, the mixed fermentation of Spirulina with Lactobacillus plantarum and Bacillus subtilis was investigated using random-centroid optimization to improve deodorization of off-flavor and hydrolysis of protein. Fermented Spirulina with the maximum total viable counts of both organisms achieved best sensory characteristics and degree of proteolysis among those with different maximum biomass. The mixed fermentation noticeably reduced the volatile compounds of Spirulina, and yielded the highest relative contents (>85%) of acetoin and other odorants collectively producing a creamy aroma. Approximately one-third of the Spirulina proteins were hydrolyzed, yielding over 16% polypeptides and increasing the ratio of essential amino acids to total free amino acids to 1.5-fold compared with unfermented Spirulina. Fermentation with B. subtilis and L. plantarum effectively improved the odor and protein availability of Spirulina.

Effects of Spirulina on the functions and redox status of auditory system in senescence-accelerated prone-8 mice.

To our knowledge, the effects of Spirulina platensis water extract (SP) on hearing function have not yet been reported. This study investigated the effects of SP on the function and redox status of the auditory system. Auditory brainstem responses and redox status were compared between two groups of 3-month-old senescence-accelerated prone-8 (SAMP8) mice: the control group was fed a normal diet, and the experimental group was fed a normal diet with oral supplementation of SP for 6 weeks. Compared with the control group, the experimental group had significantly lower hearing thresholds according to auditory brainstem responses measured using click sounds and 8-kHz tone burst sound stimulation at the end of this study. The experimental group had a shorter I-III interval of auditory brainstem responses with 16-kHz tone burst stimulation than the control group that was of borderline significance. Additionally, the experimental group had significantly higher mRNA expression of the superoxide dismutase and catalase genes in the cochlea and brainstem and significantly higher mRNA expression of the glutathione peroxidase gene in the cochlea. Further, the experimental group had significantly lower malondialdehyde levels in the cochlea and brainstem than the control group. However, tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA expression was not significantly different between the control and experimental groups. SP could decrease hearing degeneration in senescence-accelerated prone-8 mice possibly by increasing superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase gene expression and decreasing damage from oxidative stress in the cochlea and brainstem.

Arsenic methylation by an arsenite S-adenosylmethionine methyltransferase from Spirulina platensis.

Arsenic-contaminated water is a serious hazard for human health. Plankton plays a critical role in the fate and toxicity of arsenic in water by accumulation and biotransformation. Spirulina platensis (S. platensis), a typical plankton, is often used as a supplement or feed for pharmacy and aquiculture, and may introduce arsenic into the food chain, resulting in a risk to human health. However, there are few studies about how S. platensis biotransforms arsenic. In this study, we investigated arsenic biotransformation by S. platensis. When exposed to arsenite (As(III)), S. platensis accumulated arsenic up to 4.1mg/kg dry weight. After exposure to As(III), arsenate (As(V)) was the predominant species making up 64% to 86% of the total arsenic. Monomethylarsenate (MMA(V)) and dimethylarsenate (DMA(V)) were also detected. An arsenite S-adenosylmethionine methyltransferase from S. platensis (SpArsM) was identified and characterized. SpArsM showed low identity with other reported ArsM enzymes. The Escherichia coli AW3110 bearing SparsM gene resulted in As(III) methylation and conferring resistance to As(III). The in vitro assay showed that SpArsM exhibited As(III) methylation activity. DMA(V) and a small amount of MMA(V) were detected in the reaction system within 0.5hr. A truncated SpArsM derivative lacking the last 34 residues still had the ability to methylate As(III). The three single mutants of SpArsM (C59S, C186S, and C238S) abolished the capability of As(III) methylation, suggesting the three cysteine residues are involved in catalysis. We propose that SpArsM is responsible for As methylation and detoxification of As(III) and may contribute to As biogeochemistry.

Adenylate cyclase in Arthrospira platensis responds to light through transcription.

Cyclic 3',5' adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a ubiquitous signaling molecule, but its role in higher plants was in doubt due to its very low concentration. In this study we wanted to look at the flux of cAMP in response to light in algae, considered to be the more primitive form of photosynthetic organisms. While it did not fluctuate very much in the tested green algae, in the cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis its level was closely linked to exposure to light. The expression from cyaC, the major isoform of adenylate cyclase was strongly influenced by exposure of the cells to light. There was about 300 fold enhancement of cyaC transcripts in cells exposed to light compared to the transcripts in cells in the dark. Although post-translational regulation of adenylate cyclase activity has been widely known, our studies suggest that transcriptional control could also be an important aspect of its regulation in A. platensis.

Antioxidant and angiostatic effect of Spirulina platensis suspension in complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats.

BACKGROUND: Currently, natural products have built a well-recognized role in the management of many degenerative diseases, mainly rheumatoid arthritis. Recent studies suggest that Spirulina, a unicellular blue-green alga, may have a variety of health benefits and curative properties and is also competent of acting as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and recently anti-angiogenic agent. In the present study, the antioxidant and the immunomodulatory effect of Spirulina platensis as well as its anti-angiogenic effect against complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) in rat model were tested. RESULTS: We found that the development of arthritis was concealed; moreover it successfully inhibited the development of macroscopic as well as microscopic and histopathological lesions in AIA rats when compared to control. Spirulina treated group showed a higher survival rate and moreover, it reduced the clinical score of RA in a dose dependent manner. Furthermore, Spirulina decreased serum levels of COX-2, TNF-α, IL-6, TBARS, VEGF and increased serum levels of GSH compared to the RA non-treated group. CONCLUSIONS: The present study concluded that Spirulina is able to restrain the changes produced through adjuvant-induced arthritis. The suppressing effect of Spirulina could be attributed, at least in part, to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-angiogenic properties.

Can Spirulina maxima reduce the mutagenic potential of sibutramine?

The worldwide obesity pandemic requires the use of anti-obesity drugs. Sibutramine is an anti-obesity drug that has been used worldwide but is indiscriminately consumed in Brazil. Several studies have demonstrated that sibutramine promotes weight loss and weight maintenance, but several side effects have been associated with its systematic consumption. For this reason, sibutramine was withdrawn from the European and American markets, but still remains legal for use in Brazil. Studies have shown that a 5-10% reduction in body weight results in outstanding health benefits for obese patients. However, in order to promote significant weight loss, it is necessary to use sibutramine for at least 2 years. This long-term exposure has carcinogenic potential, as sibutramine causes DNA damage. Thus, this study evaluated the in vivo mutagenic potential of sibutramine alone (5, 7, 10, 15, and 20 mg/kg) and in association with Spirulina maxima (150 and 300 mg/kg), a cyanobacterium with antioxidant potential, using the polychromatic erythrocyte micronucleus test. Our results reinforced the mutagenic potential of sibutramine alone, which showed a time-dependent action. Combinatory treatments with S. maxima were not able to reduce the genotoxicity of sibutramine. These results were confirmed in vitro with the cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus test. In conclusion, our data showed that new alternative anti-obesity treatments are needed since the consumption of sibutramine can increase the risk of cancer in overweight patients.

Influence of TiO2 nanoparticles on growth and phenolic compounds production in photosynthetic microorganisms.

The influence of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (pure anatase and 15% N doped anatase) on the growth of Chlorella vulgaris, Haematococcus pluvialis, and Arthrospira platensis was investigated. Results showed that pure anatase can lead to a significant growth inhibition of C. vulgaris and A. platensis (17.0 and 74.1%, resp.), while for H. pluvialis the nanoparticles do not cause a significant inhibition. Since in these stress conditions photosynthetic microorganisms can produce antioxidant compounds in order to prevent cell damages, we evaluated the polyphenols content either inside the cells or released in the medium. Although results did not show a significant difference in C. vulgaris, the phenolic concentrations of two other microorganisms were statistically affected by the presence of titanium dioxide. In particular, 15% N doped anatase resulted in a higher production of extracellular antioxidant compounds, reaching the concentration of 65.2 and 68.0 mg gDB (-1) for H. pluvialis and A. platensis, respectively.

Nutritional and medical applications of spirulina microalgae.

Spirulina spp. and its processing products are employed in agriculture, food industry, pharmaceutics, perfumery and medicine. Spirulina has several pharmacological activities such as antimicrobial (including antiviral and antibacterial), anticancer, metalloprotective (prevention of heavy-metal poisoning against Cd, Pb, Fe, Hg), as well as immunostimulant and antioxidant effects due to its rich content of protein, polysaccharide, lipid, essential amino and fatty acids, dietary minerals and vitamins. This article serves as an overview, introducing the basic biochemical composition of this algae and moves to its medical applications. For each application the basic description of disease, mechanism of damage, particular content of Spirulina spp. for treatment, in vivo and/or in vitro usage, factors associated with therapeutic role, problems encountered and advantages are given.

The protective effects of spirulina in cyclophosphamide induced nephrotoxicity and urotoxicity in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of Spirulina, a blue-green algae with antioxidant properties in the protection of cyclophosphamide-induced nephrotoxicity and hemorrhagic cystitis in rats. METHODS: The control group (C) was sacrificed 24 hours after being given a single dose of saline intraperitoneally (150 mg/kg) on the seventh day of the experiment. The rats in the second group (CP) were sacrificed 24 hours after being given a single dose of cyclophosphamide, intraperitoneally (150 mg/kg) on the seventh day of the experiment. Spirulina was administered to the third group (SP+CP) orally (1000 mg/kg bw/day) for 7 days and a single dose of cyclophosphamide was injected intraperitoneally (150 mg/kg) on the seventh day of the experiment. At the eighth day of the experiment, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and catalase levels in renal and urinary bladder tissues were measured. Histomorphology in urinary bladder, apoptosis by caspase 3 immunostaining, and TUNEL assay in kidney were also evaluated. RESULTS: Tissue levels of malondialdehyde in the SP+CP group were significantly lower versus CP group (P < .05). Tissue levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the SP+CP group were significantly higher vs the CP group (P < .05). The histomorphologic alteration in urinary bladder in the SP+CP group was significantly lower vs that in the CP group. In the kidney, apoptosis in the SP+CP group as shown with TUNEL assay and immunohistochemistry was significantly lower vs that in the CP group (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Pretreatment with Spirulina protects the rats from cyclophosphamide-induced nephro-urotoxicity via its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties.

The effects of Panax ginseng and Spirulina platensis on hepatotoxicity induced by cadmium in rats.

Cadmium is an environmental and industrial cumulative pollutant that affects many organs, specially the liver. The protective effect of Spirulina platensis and Panax ginseng on cadmium-induced oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity was evaluated in adult female Wistar albino rats. At the end of the 1-month experimental period, all animals were fasted for 12h and liver samples were taken for the determination of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and nitric oxide (NO) levels. S. platensis and P. ginseng treatments showed marked decrease lipid peroxidation and increase of the endogenous antioxidants levels. The cadmium-induced histopathological changes were also minimized with the tested extracts. These results suggest that S. platensis and P. ginseng might play a role in reducing the toxic effect of cadmium and its antioxidant properties seem to mediate such a protective effect.

Spirulina in health care management.

Spirulina is a photosynthetic, filamentous, spiral-shaped and multicellular edible microbe. It is the nature's richest and most complete source of nutrition. Spirulina has a unique blend of nutrients that no single source can offer. The alga contains a wide spectrum of prophylactic and therapeutic nutrients that include B-complex vitamins, minerals, proteins, gamma-linolenic acid and the super anti-oxidants such as beta-carotene, vitamin E, trace elements and a number of unexplored bioactive compounds. Because of its apparent ability to stimulate whole human physiology, Spirulina exhibits therapeutic functions such as antioxidant, anti-bacterial, antiviral, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and anti-diabetic and plethora of beneficial functions. Spirulina consumption appears to promote the growth of intestinal micro flora as well. The review discusses the potential of Spirulina in health care management.

Spirulina enhanced the skeletal muscle protein in growing rats.

UNLABELLED: BACKGROUND/AIM OF THE STUDY: This study evaluates the effects of the blue green alga spirulina as the sole dietary source of protein on muscle protein in weaning rats. METHODS: Young (30 days) Wistar rats were fed, during 60 days, with 17% protein spirulina (S) and compared to rats fed 17% protein casein (C). We evaluated the muscle total protein and DNA contents and the in vitro protein synthesis and degradation rates as well the myosin protein expression. RESULTS: The groups presented similar body weight (C = 427.3 +/- 8.6; S = 434.6 +/- 7.7 g) and length (C = 25.4 +/- 0.2; S = 25.6 +/- 0.2 cm). Soleus muscle total protein (C = 2.9 +/- 0.1; S = 2.7 +/- 0.1 mg/100 mg) and DNA (C = 0.084 +/- 0.005; S = 0.074 +/- 0.005 mg/100 mg) contents were also similar in both groups. Protein degradation (C = 427.5 +/- 40.6; S = 476.7 +/- 50.5 pmol/mg(-1) h(-1)) did not differ between the groups but protein synthesis (C = 17.5 +/- 1.0; S = 25.2 +/- 1.9 pmol/mg(-1) h(-1)) and myosin content (western blot analyses) were higher (P < 0.05, t test) in spirulina group. CONCLUSIONS: Although the spirulina proved adequate protein quality to maintain body growth, the muscle protein synthesis rates were increased by the ingestion of the experimental diet in young rats.

A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study to establish the effects of spirulina in elderly Koreans.

AIMS: This study was conducted to determine the antioxidant capacity, immunomodulatory and lipid-lowering effects of spirulina in healthy elderly subjects and to document the effectiveness of spirulina as a functional food for the elderly. METHODS: A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study was performed. The subjects were 78 individuals aged 60-87 years and were randomly assigned in a blinded fashion to receive either spirulina or placebo. The elderly were instructed to consume the spirulina or placebo at home, 8 g/day, for 16 consecutive weeks. RESULTS: In male subjects, a significant plasma cholesterol-lowering effect was observed after the spirulina intervention (p < 0.05). Spirulina supplementation resulted in a significant rise in plasma interleukin (IL)-2 concentration, and a significant reduction in IL-6 concentration. A significant time-by-treatment intervention for total antioxidant status was observed between spirulina and placebo groups (p < 0.05). In female subjects, significant increases in IL-2 level and superoxide dismutase activity were observed (p < 0.05) after spirulina supplementation. There were significant reductions in total cholesterol in female subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that spirulina has favorable effects on lipid profiles, immune variables, and antioxidant capacity in healthy, elderly male and female subjects and is suitable as a functional food.

Renoprotective effect of Spirulina fusiformis on cisplatin-induced oxidative stress and renal dysfunction in rats.

Cisplatin is an effective chemotherapeutic agent used in the treatment of a wide array of both pediatric and adult malignancies. Dose-dependent and cumulative nephrotoxicity is the major toxicity of this compound, sometimes requiring a reduction in dose or discontinuation of treatment. Recent evidences have implicated oxidative and nitrosative stress in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Spirulina fusiformis, blue-green algae, is claimed to be a potential antioxidant. The present study was designed to explore the renoprotective potential of Spirulina fusiformis against cisplatin-induced oxidative stress and renal dysfunction. Spirulina fusiformis (500,1000,1500 mg/kg(-1) p.o.) was administered 2 days before and until 3 days after cisplatin challenge (5 mg/kg(-1) i.p.). Renal injury was assessed by measuring serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and urea clearance, and serum nitrite levels. Renal oxidative stress was determined by renal TBARS levels, reduced glutathione levels, and by enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase. A single dose of cisplatin produced marked renal oxidative and nitrosative stress and significantly deranged renal functions. Chronic Spirulina fusiformis treatment significantly and dose-dependently restored renal functions, reduced lipid peroxidation, and enhanced reduced glutathione levels, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities. The results of the present study clearly demonstrate the pivotal role of reactive oxygen species and their relation to renal dysfunction and point to the therapeutic potential of Spirulina fusiformis in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.

Protection against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by Spirulina in rats.

PURPOSE: Cisplatin (CP)-induced nephrotoxicity is associated with the increased generation of reactive oxygen metabolites and lipid peroxidation in kidney, caused by the decreased levels of antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of Spirulina, blue-green alga with antioxidant properties, in the protection of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rat. METHODS: Rats were treated with CP (6 mg/kg bw, single dose, intraperitoneally). Spirulina (1,000 mg/kg) was administered orally for 8 days and CP treatment was given on day 4. Nephrotoxicity was assessed, 6 days after the CP treatment, by measuring plasma urea, creatinine, urinary N-acetyl-(D-glucose-aminidase) (beta-NAG) and histopathology of kidney. RESULTS: Rats treated with CP showed marked nephrotoxicity as evidenced from the significant elevation in plasma urea, creatinine and urinary beta-NAG. Histological assessment revealed marked proximal tubular necrosis and extensive epithelial vacuolization in the kidney of CP-treated rats. Superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were decreased and lipid peroxidation was increased in kidney tissue. Pretreatment with Spirulina protected the rats from CP-induced nephrotoxicity. The rise in plasma urea, creatinine, urinary beta-NAG, plasma and kidney tissue MDA and histomorphological changes were significantly attenuated by Spirulina. In vitro studies using human ovarian cancer cells revealed that Spirulina did not interfere with the cytotoxic effects of CP on tumor cells. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, Spirulina significantly protected the CP-induced nephrotoxicity through its antioxidant properties.