Efeitos do óleo essencial de Cymbopogon citratus em modelo de lesão renal aguda induzida por gentamicina em Zebrafish

Abstract

The Cymbopogon citratus essential oil (CCEO), rich in citral, exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a potential nephroprotective agent against acute kidney injury. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate whether CCEO can modulate gentamicin-induced renal toxicity, as reflected by behavioral parameters and oxidative stress. Adult zebrafish were treated with gentamicin alone or in combination with CCEO at doses of 10, 50, and 100 mg/kg. Control groups were included. Behavioral, physiological, and biochemical parameters were assessed. In the open field test, treatment with CCEO did not promote statistically significant differences in any of the evaluated groups when compared to the control (p = 0.1122). However, in the light/dark test, the 10 mg/kg dose partially restored exploratory behavior, increasing the number of transitions compared to the Injury group (p = 0.0382). Regarding biochemical markers, CCEO significantly reduced MDA levels at doses of 10 mg/kg (p = 0.0004) and 100 mg/kg (p = 0.0031), whereas the 50 mg/kg dose significantly increased GSH levels compared to the Naïve group (p = 0.0091). In conclusion, the results demonstrate that CCEO exerts antioxidant effects, which contribute to the attenuation of the physiological and behavioral alterations observed, confirming its activity and reinforcing its relevance in gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity.