Researchers at Atatürk University in Erzurum, Turkey, used the MedAsia kidney function meter in a study on how dandelion extract affects paracetamol-induced kidney injury in rats. This article explains how the collaboration started, how the experiment was designed, and what the results showed.

How the Collaboration Began

We were contacted by professors from Horasan Vocational School, Atatürk University, and the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Atatürk University, in Erzurum, Turkey. They were interested in using our kidney function meter for a research study.

The study aimed to examine the biochemical effects of dandelion (D) ethanol extract on blood and kidney tissue in rats with paracetamol (PRC)-induced injury.

We were glad to support the research by providing kidney function meters from our stock, and we shipped the meter to Dr. Betul on November 16, 2021.

Study Design

After receiving the equipment, Dr. Betul led the experiment. The study used 36 male Sprague Dawley rats, all aged 5 months, provided by the Medical Experimental Research and Application Center of Atatürk University.

The rats were randomly divided into 6 groups of 6 rats each. Animals in the paracetamol groups were fasted for 24 hours, then given 2 g/kg PRC orally 1 hour after the extract was administered. Treatments were applied for 8 days:

• Control group (C): 5% DMSO (i.p.)
• D200 group: 200 mg/kg/day dandelion extract (i.p.)
• D250 group: 250 mg/kg/day dandelion extract (i.p.)
• PRC group: 2 g/kg paracetamol (p.o.)
• PRC + D200 group: 2 g/kg paracetamol (p.o.) + 200 mg/kg/day dandelion extract (i.p.)
• PRC + D250 group: 2 g/kg paracetamol (p.o.) + 250 mg/kg/day dandelion extract (i.p.)

The animals were then decapitated under sevoflurane anesthesia (Sevorane liquid 100%, Abbott Laboratories, Istanbul, Turkey). Blood and kidney tissue samples were collected quickly for biochemical analysis.

Testing with the MedAsia Kidney Function Meter

Using the kidney function analysis meter from MedAsia (Hangzhou MedAsia Healthcare, China), Dr. Betul tested the collected samples for urea, uric acid, and creatinine levels.

Photos provided by Dr. Betul

Table 1: Urea, uric acid, creatinine, Na, and K levels of the control and experimental groups

Table 2: Effects of dandelion extract on kidney tissue biochemical parameters

Key Findings

Effects of Paracetamol (PRC)

• Raised plasma levels of urea, uric acid, and creatinine
• Increased malondialdehyde, nitrate, and nitrite in kidney tissue
• Reduced Na and K levels in renal tissue
• Reduced antioxidant levels and activities (SOD, CAT, and GPx activities and GSH levels) in renal tissue

Effects of Dandelion Extract

• Lowered plasma levels of urea, uric acid, and creatinine
• Reduced lipid peroxidation, nitrate, and nitrite in kidney tissue
• Increased antioxidant activities and Na and K levels

Read the Full Paper

For the detailed experimental data, see the published paper:

Effect of Taraxacum officinale L. ethanol extract against kidney injuries induced by paracetamol in rats

Learn More About Kidney Function Meters

For a deeper look at this product, read our article: New Tools to Detect Kidney Disease Outside the Hospital