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Published on: May 28, 2014
Prevention of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by methimazole
A M Osman1, E M El-Sayed, E El-Demerdash
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt.
Abstract:
Nephrotoxicity is a dose-limiting factor in the use of cisplatin against solid tumours. Methimazole, an antithyroid drug containing a free SH group, has a nephroprotective potential against chemically-induced nephrotoxicity. We tried to explore the nephrotoxic effect of the experimentally therapeutic dose of cisplatin (7 mg kg(-1), i.p.), particularly on the nuclear level of kidney cells in male albino rats, as well as the possible protective effect of methimazole. Furthermore, the drug interaction regarding the oncolytic effect of cisplatin was examined in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)-bearing mice. A single dose of cisplatin caused kidney damage, 6 days after injection, manifested by 219% increase in serum creatinine, 384% increase in blood urea nitrogen and 170% increase in kidney content of lipid peroxides. Kidney DNA showed clear fragmentations detected by gel electrophoresis. However, kidney reduced glutathione was unchanged at that time period. Histological examination of kidney confirmed the toxic effect of cisplatin. Methimazole (40 mg kg(-1), i.p., 30 min before cisplatin injection) significantly protected the kidney from the nephrotoxic effect of cisplatin as judged from the biochemical parameters investigated as well as the histopathological examination. On the other hand, the survival data in EAC-bearing mice treated with both drugs indicated the persistence of an effective cytotoxic action. This study points to a promising use of this combination and necessitates further experimental and clinical studies.
Insights
Methimazole protects against cisplatin-induced kidney damage by reducing toxicity. This combination therapy maintains cisplatin's cancer-fighting ability, suggesting potential for further research.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
Background:
- Cisplatin chemotherapy can cause kidney damage (nephrotoxicity), limiting its use.
- Methimazole, an antithyroid drug, may offer protection against chemical-induced kidney injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cisplatin's nephrotoxic effects at the cellular level.
- To evaluate methimazole's protective potential against cisplatin nephrotoxicity.
- To assess the combined effect on cisplatin's anti-cancer activity.
Main Methods:
- Rats received a therapeutic dose of cisplatin (7 mg/kg).
- Methimazole (40 mg/kg) was administered 30 minutes prior to cisplatin.
- Kidney function, DNA integrity, and histology were assessed.
- Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)-bearing mice evaluated combined drug efficacy.
Main Results:
- Cisplatin significantly increased serum creatinine, BUN, and kidney lipid peroxides.
- Kidney DNA fragmentation and histological damage were observed post-cisplatin.
- Methimazole pretreatment significantly reduced cisplatin-induced kidney damage.
- Combined treatment retained cisplatin's cytotoxic effect in EAC-bearing mice.
Conclusions:
- Methimazole demonstrates significant nephroprotection against cisplatin.
- The combination therapy preserves cisplatin's anti-cancer efficacy.
- This combination warrants further investigation for clinical application.
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