ISSN : 2663-2187

Ameliorative Potency of Glutathione in Levonorgestrel-Induced Kidney Damage Using Sprague-Dawley Rats

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Oluwaseye A. Adebajo, Joshua H. Ojo, Perpetual K. Adebajo, Nkereuwem E. Bassey, Rejoice I. Ogunsanya
ยป doi: : 10.33472/AFJBS.6.13.2024.1290-1303

Abstract

Levonorgestrel is an emergency contraceptive that prevents unwanted pregnancies after unprotected sexual intercourse. It works similarly to progesterone and can prevent pregnancy if taken within a specific period. Glutathione, on the other hand, is an antioxidant that protects against free radicals and harmful substances. This study examined the effects of levonorgestrel and glutathione (GSH) on the kidneys through biochemical, histological, and functional analyses. The study involved forty Sprague-Dawley rats divided into eight groups. Three groups were administered graded doses of levonorgestrel for 4 weeks, while 3 others were administered levonorgestrel for 4 weeks followed by glutathione for 2 weeks. Two control groups were also included, one receiving distilled water for 4 weeks and the other for 6 weeks. The results showed that levonorgestrel affected the rats' kidneys by increasing creatinine, reducing urea and albumin, lowering superoxide dismutase and catalase levels, and increasing malondialdehyde levels. Rats administered only levonorgestrel displayed kidney vascular congestion and mild tubular necrosis. However, the administration of glutathione reversed the effects of levonorgestrel on the kidneys, showing that glutathione has some ameliorative effects on levonorgestrel-induced kidney toxicity due to its antioxidant function.

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