Evaluation of Protective Effects of Polyphenols of the Marine Brown Alga Ecklonia cava against Potassium Bromate Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats

Background: Ecklonia cava is a kelp (brown algae) genus belonging to Lessoniaceae with plenty of Eckol-type phlorotannins. It exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activity. Objectives: This study investigated Ecklonia cava (EC) polyphenols for their protective effects against KBrO₃-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Materials and Methods: The polyphenolic fraction was isolated from EC. Group, I was control (untreated), and group II was administered KBrO₃ (135 mg/kg b.w) intragastric for four weeks. Group III was administered ECPP (200 mg/kg b.w) concurrently with KBrO₃ (135 mg/kg b.w) orally, and Group VI was administered Rutin (100 mg/ kg b.w) along with KBrO₃ (135 mg/kg b.w) orally. The protective effects of ECPP on KBrO₃-induced nephrotoxicity in rats were assessed for the biochemical parameters of serum, various antioxidant enzymes, and histopathological changes in kidneys. Results: The level of serum of Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), uric acid, and creatinine was suggestively augmented (p<0.001) when treated by KBrO₃. The activity of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and FRAP (ferric ion reducing antioxidant parameter) were diminished (p<0.001). At the same time, lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide were raised (p<0.001) with KBrO₃ treatment in the kidneys. In addition, the protein carbonyl level was amplified (p<0.001) with KBrO₃ administration. Histological studies presented renal damage in KBrO₃-treated animals where tissue injury was abridged in ECPP pretreatment groups. Conclusion: These results suggest that ECPP functions as an antioxidant in vivo by scavenging reactive oxygen species, which helps preclude oxidative renal injury in rats treated with KBrO_3.