Effects of sodium valproate on renal functions in rats

In recent years, it has been reported that sodium valproate occasionally can cause renal tubular impairment. This study was designed to demonstrate the renal tubular and glomerular functions in rats given sodium valproate as monotherapy, as well as to determine any reversibility of dysfunctions. Female rats were randomly allocated to three groups: group 1 received sodium valproate 500 mg/kg/d intraperitoneal for six weeks; after the same injection period, group 2 was housed for another six weeks, after which laboratory investigations were completed; and group 3 served as a control group made up of 20 healthy rats living in same condition without any treatment. Serum ALT, total protein, uric acid, ALP, phosphorus, sodium levels, and urine Ca/cr ratio were significantly different between groups 1 and 3 (p < 0.025), but this difference was not seen between groups 2 and 3. On the other hand, other parameters such as TRP, Ccr, NAG, and MDA were not significantly different among the three groups ( p > 0.025) These results suggest that SV does not have a significant dose- or time-related side effect on renal functions. Minor biochemical dysfunctions related to long-term sodium valproate therapy is reversible, and the minimal renal fibrosis that showed histopathologically is not clinically important. The renal tissues of rats are known to show similar metabolic and histological patterns with human renal tissues. No renal dysfunction was expected in humans because there were no clinically statistically significant renal side effects in this study.