Potential renoprotective effects of silymarin against vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

Silymarin (SLY), a flavonoid complex isolated from the seeds of (Asteraceae), has antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-lipid peroxidative effects. Vancomycin (VA), used for treating serious infections, has been associated with nephrotoxicity, which limits its use. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the potential renoprotective effects of SLY on VA-induced nephrotoxicity using renal, apoptotic (caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 enzyme activities), and oxidative stress [nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA)] markers; serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels; and histopathological examination.