Protective Effect of Bee Pollen In Acute Kidney Injury, Proteinuria, And Crystalluria Induced By Ethylene Glycol Ingestion In Rats

Abstract Oxidative stress plays a role in hyperoxaluria-induced kidney injury and crystallization. Bee pollen is a hive product with a high content of antioxidants. The antioxidant content and protective effect of bee pollen extract (BPE) against ethylene glycol (EG) induced crystalluria and acute kidney injury (AKI) were investigated. Ten groups of male Wistar rats were treated with EG, cystone (500 mg/kg) or BPE at doses 100, 250, and 500 mg/ kg. On day 30, blood and urine samples were collected for analysis. Kidneys were removed for histopathological study. The antioxidant activity of BPE was assessed, and its total phenols and flavonoids were determined. EG significantly increased urine pH, volume, calcium, phosphorus, uric acid, and protein, and blood urea, creatinine, and liver enzymes (P<0.05). It decreased creatinine clearance and urine magnesium and caused crystalluria. Treatment with BPE or cystone mitigates EG's effect; BPE was more potent than cystone (P<0.05). BPE increases urine volume, sodium, and magnesium compared to the control and EG treated groups. BPE reduces proteinuria and prevents AKI, crystalluria, liver injury, and histopathological changes in the kidney tissue caused by EG. BPE might have a protective effect against EG-induced AKI, crystalluria, and proteinuria, and stone deposition, most likely by its antioxidant content and activity.