Qom University of Medical Sciences Journal

Background and Objectives: Asthma is a kind of respiratory disease for which different chemical and herbal drugs are used. This study investigated the side effects of theophylline (TEO) and Aloe vera extract (AVE) on kidney tissue in rats with asthma.

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Methods: Thirty six female rats were divided into six groups of six each. Asthma was induced in the rats using acetic acid spray for 12 weeks. At completion of this period, heart blood samples were collected to conduct biochemical tests. Kidney tissue was fixed in formalin 10% and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for microscopic examinations. The data were analyzed by variance and Tukey's test.

Results: Inflammatory cells were seen in connective tissue and around renal tubules. In TEO-treated group, mild change in  density of mesenchymal stem cells, atrohpy of glumeral capillaries, and increase in Bowman space were seen, but in AVE (100mg/kg)-treated group, kidney improved. The mean creatinine and urea concentrations increased in rats with asthma and TEO and AVE (200mg/kg)-treated rats compared to the controls (p<0.05) but significantly decreased in AVE (100mg/kg)-treated rats (p<0.05).

Conclusion: AVE (100mg/kg) is effective in reducing inflammation of the kidney and concentrations of urea and creatinine.