Evaluation of Antioxidant Potential of Noni ( Morinda citrifolia L. ) Fruit Juice against 3Methyl-4-nitrophenol (PNMC)-Induced Acute Nephrotoxicity in Rats

The 3-methyl-4-nitrophenol (PNMC), found in pesticides and diesel exhaust particles (DEP), increases oxidative stress and induces tissue injury, while Noni ( Morinda citrifolia L ) is known for its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties. This study aimed to investigate the potential benefits of Noni juice on PNMCinduced nephrotoxicity in rats. A total of 56 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into eight groups (n=7 each). These groups included: Control (PBS+0.05% Tween 80 S/C), Noni (2 ml Noni juice per rat), 1 mg/kg PNMC, 10 mg/kg PNMC, 100 mg/kg PNMC, Noni+1 mg/kg PNMC, Noni+10 mg/kg PNMC and Noni+100 mg/kg PNMC. Noni juice was given @ 2ml per rat through oral gavage, while PNMC was given through S/C injections. Treatments were given daily for five days. Then the rats were euthanized and blood samples were collected for serum biochemical analysis and assessing oxidative stress status. Kidneys were processed for histopathological and ultrastructural analyses and immunohistochemical demonstration of iNOS, eNOS, NGAL, active caspase-3 expressions and apoptotic index. The iNOS protein level was also assessed by ELISA. Results showed dose-dependent increasing degenerative changes in the kidneys with 1, 10 and 100 mg/kg of PNMC. The severity of these lesions was reduced in Noni+PNMC treatment groups. Mitochondrial damage occurred with 100mg/kg PNMC. A significant dose-dependent increase was recorded in iNOS, eNOS, NGAL and active caspase-3 expressions and apoptotic index in the kidneys with PNMC, while these parameters were decreased with Noni juice administration. Oxidative stress was highest with 100 mg/kg PNMC and decreased in Noni+PNMC groups. In conclusion, Noni juice efficiently attenuated PNMC-induced acute renal toxicity; however, its efficacy against PNMC induced chronic toxic effects need to be investigated.