Protective Effect of Genistein on the Morphine-Induced Kidney Disorders in Male Mice

Background: Morphine is a member of the naturally occurring phenanthrene alkaloids of opium. Genistein is a phytoestrogen, present in soy products. This study was designed to evaluate protective effects of genistein against morphine induced damages to the kidneys of mice. Methods: In this study, 48 male mice were randomly assigned to 8 groups: control (saline), morphine treated group (10 mg/kg/day); genistein groups (1, 2, 4 mg/kg/day) and morphine plus genistein treated group. Drugs were administrated intraperitoneally for 30 consequent days. Weight of animals and kidneys, glomeruli characteristics, kidney function markers and blood serum nitric oxide level has been studied. Result: The results indicated that morphine administration significantly increased Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine and nitric oxide levels compared to the control ( saline) group (P<0.05). Genistein in all doses and genistein plus morphine at the dose of 4 mg/kg significantly decreased LDH, BUN, creatinine, glomerular diameter and nitric oxide levels compared to the control and morphine groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: It seems that genistein administration improved kidney damages induced by morphine in mice.