Protective Impact of Flaxseed Oil against Acetaminophen-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats: Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Pathway

Acetaminophen (AAP) is a commonly analgesic found in numerous non-prescription pharmaceuticals. High dose and 
chronic ingestion of AAP caused renal toxicity. This study is designed to assess the possible nephroprotective role of 
flaxseed oil (FSO) in male rats. Nephrotoxicity was induced in rats via ingested a single dose of AAP (3 g/kg). Five groups 
of rats were used; Control, AAP, FSO (1.5 ml/kg) + AAP, FSO (3 ml/kg) + AAP, and FSO (4.5 ml/kg) + AAP. Rats were received 
orally FSO for 30 days and at the 30th day received AAP 1 h before FSO. Serum renal function indices were determined. 
Also, antioxidants, oxidative stress, and pro-inflammatory cytokines indices were measured in serum. Ingestion of FSO (3 
and 4.5 ml/kg) prior to AAP intoxication significantly decreased AAP-induced nephrotoxicity as evidenced by significant 
decrease in renal functions relative to the AAP group. Prevented the oxidative stress as evidenced by significant increases 
in SOD and GSH levels, concurrent with a significant decline in MDA level. Besides, there were significant decreases 
in IL-1α and TNF-α relative to the AAP group. FSO (3 and 4.5 ml/kg) preserved the renal parenchyma, glomerulus and 
tubules histological features induced by AAP. FSO (4.5 ml/kg) was markedly the most effective dose relative to the two 
other doses. In conclusion, FSO protects AAP-induced renal toxicity in a dose dependent manner via its potent antioxidant 
and anti-inflammatory activities.