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

ABSTRACT

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 (H3(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.