Nephroprotective Effect of a Combination of Probiotics, Tender Coconut Water, and Vitamin E in Gentamicin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Rats

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Gentamicin increases Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), leading to cell damage and kidney necrosis. The body counteracts free radicals by producing endogenous antioxidants. Natural antioxidants such as probiotics, vitamin E, and phenolic compounds are known to protect the kidneys. This study aims to evaluate the nephroprotective effect of a combination of probiotics, tender coconut water, and vitamin E on endogenous antioxidants in rats with an Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) model induced by gentamicin. The parameters measured were superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). The study used a posttest-only control group design with 30 male Wistar rats divided into five groups: K1 (normal); K2 (gentamicin-induced); K3 (gentamicin + tender coconut water 8 mL/200 g BW); K4 (gentamicin + tender coconut water + probiotics); and K5 (gentamicin + tender coconut water + probiotics + vitamin E 1.8 IU/200 g BW). Gentamicin was administered at 20 mg/200 g BW/day via intraperitoneal injection. Data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA. The mean SOD levels in K2 were 23.77 ± 3.07%, increasing to 66.39 ± 3.07% in K5. The mean GPx levels in K2 were 23.77 ± 0.75 u/mg, rising to 61.94 ± 0.72 u/mg in K5. SOD and GPx levels were significantly higher in K5 compared to K2. The combination of probiotics, tender coconut water, and vitamin E exerts a nephroprotective effect in AKI model rats induced by gentamicin, as indicated by increased SOD and GPx levels compared to the negative control.