Background and purpose: Gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, is used in treatment of Gram-negative infections. However, its usefulness is restricted by its nephrotoxicity. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential protective effects of mummy and Vit E against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 36 adult albino Wistar rats were divided into six groups: Group 1 received 1 ml normal saline intra-peritoneal once daily. Group 2 was treated with gentamicin 100mg/kg daily IP and served as experimental group. Group 3 received Vit E 250 mg/kg/day IM and gentamicin 100 mg/kg/day IP. Groups 4, 5 and 6 were treated with gentamicin 100 mg/kg and mummy at daily dosages of 1000, 500 and 250 mg/kg orally, respectively. All groups had daily treatments for 28 days. At the end of treatment, blood samples were taken for measurement of serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), albumin, electrolytes, malondialdehyde (MDA) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) using standard methods. Also, right kidneys were removed for histological evaluation.

Results: Mummy at 1000 and 500 mg/kg and Vit E (250 mg/kg) significantly reduced gentamicin-induced increases in BUN, MDA and histological changes. Furthermore, mummy at 1000 mg/kg increased FRAP compared to other concentrations.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that mummy and Vit E therapy improved gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity via inhibition of lipid peroxidation.