Abstract
Introduction: Nitric oxide (NO) has some important roles in endothelial functioning and
renal hemodynamics. Based on previous studies, NO function is different in both genders.
Probably, antioxidant vitamins, as free radical scavengers, have some protective effects on
renal injury.
Objectives: This study aims to search the possible antioxidant effects on nitrite level in both
sexes.
Materials and Methods: The rats were divided into 8 groups each including both male
and female ones; The categories include 1) gentamicin treated, 2) gentamicin and vitamin
E-treated, 3) gentamicin and vitamin C-treated, 4) gentamicin plus vitamin E and C treated.
Nine days after administering drugs, blood samples were collected from the heart. The level of
urea, creatinine (Cr), and nitrite were measured in the animals serum. Also, nitrite level was
measured in the homogenized kidney tissue.
Results: Gentamicin, in male and female rats enhanced serum urea and Cr levels significantly
at the level of P<0.05. In the presence of the vitamins E and C individually urea and Cr levels
decreased significantly too. After GM administration serum nitrite level was higher in female
than male rats at the statistically significant level. Vitamin E increased serum nitrite level in
male and female rats in comparison with GM group. Similarly, the vitamins enhanced kidney
nitrite level which was significantly higher in male than female animals.
Conclusion: This study shows that administrating vitamin E and C could individually have
stronger effect on nitrite more prominently among male rats.