Evaluation of the Nephroprotective Effect of Kersen Fruit Extract (Muntingia calabura) on Renal Morphological Changes and Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-α) Levels in Gentamicin-Induced Rats. / Uji Efektivitas Nefroprotektif Ekstrak Buah Kersen (Muntingia Calabura) Terhadap Perubahan Morfologi Ginjal dan Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-ɑ) pada Tikus yang di Induksi Gentamicin

Background: Gentamicin is an effective aminoglycoside antibiotic widely used in the treatment of Gram-negative bacterial infections. However, its clinical use is often limited by nephrotoxicity associated with oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, characterized by increased levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) and alterations in renal morphology. Kersen fruit (Muntingia calabura L.) contains various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and polyphenols, which exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may provide nephroprotective effects. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the nephroprotective effect of kersen fruit extract on renal morphological changes and TNF-α levels in gentamicin-induced rats. Methods: An experimental study was conducted using five groups of male rats (n = 5 per group), consisting of a normal control group, a gentamicin control group (100 mg/kg BW), and three treatment groups receiving gentamicin combined with kersen fruit extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg BW, respectively. The observed parameters included macroscopic renal morphology (color, texture, and size) and TNF-α levels. Data were analyzed using One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s post hoc test at a 95% confidence level. Results: Gentamicin induction caused dark brown discoloration of the kidneys and significantly increased TNF-α levels compared with the normal control group (p < 0.01). Administration of kersen fruit extract demonstrated a dose-dependent tendency to improve renal morphology and reduce TNF-α levels. The most pronounced effect was observed at a dose of 400 mg/kg BW, which resulted in the lowest TNF-α level and renal morphology closest to normal conditions. However, the differences among treatment groups were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Kersen fruit (Muntingia calabura L.) extract demonstrated potential nephroprotective activity against gentamicin-induced renal injury, as indicated by the tendency to improve renal morphology and reduce TNF-α levels. The dose of 400 mg/kg BW exhibited the most favorable effect among the tested doses. Further studies involving longer treatment durations, larger sample sizes, and additional renal function parameters are required to confirm the nephroprotective efficacy of kersen fruit extract.

Latar Belakang: Gentamisin merupakan antibiotik aminoglikosida yang efektif, namun penggunaannya sering dikaitkan dengan nefrotoksisitas akibat stres oksidatif dan inflamasi yang ditandai oleh peningkatan kadar Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) serta perubahan morfologi ginjal. Buah kersen (Muntingia calabura L.) mengandung berbagai senyawa bioaktif, seperti flavonoid dan polifenol, yang berpotensi memberikan efek nefroprotektif melalui aktivitas antioksidan dan antiinflamasi. Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi efek nefroprotektif ekstrak buah kersen terhadap perubahan morfologi ginjal dan kadar TNF-α pada tikus yang diinduksi gentamisin. Metode: Penelitian menggunakan rancangan eksperimental dengan lima kelompok tikus jantan (n=5 per kelompok), yaitu kontrol normal, kontrol gentamisin (100 mg/kgBB), serta kelompok perlakuan yang menerima gentamisin dan ekstrak buah kersen dosis 100, 200, dan 400 mg/kgBB. Parameter yang diamati meliputi morfologi makroskopis ginjal (warna, tekstur, dan ukuran) serta kadar TNF-α. Data dianalisis menggunakan uji One-Way ANOVA yang dilanjutkan dengan uji Post Hoc Tukey pada tingkat signifikansi 95%. Hasil: Induksi gentamisin menyebabkan perubahan warna ginjal menjadi cokelat tua dan meningkatkan kadar TNF-α secara signifikan dibandingkan kelompok kontrol normal (p<0,01). Pemberian ekstrak buah kersen menunjukkan kecenderungan memperbaiki morfologi ginjal dan menurunkan kadar TNF-α secara bertahap seiring peningkatan dosis. Efek terbaik diperoleh pada dosis 400 mg/kgBB yang menghasilkan kadar TNF-α terendah dan gambaran ginjal yang paling mendekati kondisi normal, meskipun perbedaan antar kelompok perlakuan belum signifikan secara statistik (p>0,05). Kesimpulan: Ekstrak buah kersen (Muntingia calabura L.) menunjukkan potensi nefroprotektif terhadap kerusakan ginjal yang diinduksi gentamisin, ditandai oleh kecenderungan perbaikan morfologi ginjal dan penurunan kadar TNF-α. Dosis 400 mg/kgBB memberikan efek terbaik dibandingkan dosis lainnya. Penelitian lebih lanjut dengan durasi perlakuan yang lebih panjang dan evaluasi parameter fungsi ginjal diperlukan untuk mengonfirmasi efektivitas ekstrak buah kersen sebagai agen nefroprotektif.