Effect of melon seed extract (Cucumis melo var. inodorous) on renal expression of tamm-horsfall coding gene in urolithiatic male rats

Abstract

Introduction: Kidney stone is one of the most important diseases of the urinary tract and the most important cause of death due to urinary tract disease. The prevalence of urinary tract disease is increasing and therefore more effective and low-risk therapies are needed for treatment. Melon seeds have been suggested for the treatment of kidney diseases such as kidney stones. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of hydroethanolic extract of melon seed on renal expression of tamm-horsfall coding gene in male rats with kidney stones.
Materials & Methods: Induction of calcium oxalate kidney stone was performed by oral treatment of ammonium chloride (3 days) and ethylene glycol (38 days) in male rats. Potassium citrate (2.5 g/Kg) and hydro-ethanolic extract of melon seed (150, 300 and 600 mg/kg body weight) were treated orally with ethylene glycol for 38 days. After 41 days, the animals were anesthetized and right kidney was removed for evaluation of renal expression of tamm-horsfall coding gene by real-time PCR.
Result: Results showed that daily oral administration of potassium citrate and extract (150, 300 and 600 mg/kg body weight) significantly increased the expression of tamm horsfall coding gene (UMOD) in experimental rats compared to control rats (p<0.001).
Conclusion: In conclusion, melon seed extract can improve kidney stone disease by enhancing the expression of tamm-horsfall encoding genes and is effective for treating the kidney stone disease.