Background: Because gentamicin accumulates in the epithelial cells of the renal cortical tubules resulting in tissue damage. Thus, using histological, immunohistochemical, and morphometric analysis, this study aimed to assess propolis's possible antioxidant protective impact against gentamicin-induced structural changes in albino rats' renal cortex.

Material and Methods: 45 adult male albino rats were divided into five groups (9 rats for each group): control group, propolis treated group (Propolis group), gentamicin treated group (Gm group), gentamicin withdrawal group (Gm withdrawal group), gentamicin and propolis treated group (Gm + Propolis group).

Results: Significant kidney damage was caused by gentamicin, as demonstrated by elevated levels of urea, creatinine, and oxidative stress indicators (measured by MDA level), reduced levels of glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total glutathione (GSH). Histological alteration data including apoptosis, necrosis and inflammatory indicators such as growth of monocyte/macrophages infiltration as well as accumulation of collagen fibers were detected in the renal cortex. In addition, immunohistochemistry data, showed elevated P53 and TNFa levels. When propolis and gentamicin were taken together, there was a noticeable drop in urea and creatinine levels as well as a reduction in oxidative stress markers, apoptosis, inflammation, collagen fiber depositional renal tissue restoration.

Conclusion: The present findings propose that propolis at a dose of 500mg/kg orally could improve impairment and damage of the renal structures resulting from administration of gentamicin.

Keywords: Gentamicin, Propolis, Kidney, inflammation, Oxidative stress