Novel approach for the prevention of contrast nephropathy

To date, there is no effective treatment of contrast medium (CM)-induced nephropathy. Multiple studies documented a protective role of hydration and N-acetylcystein (NAC) as prophylactic agents against CM-induced nephropathy in a high-risk population. In the present study, we investigated a new antioxidant agent, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), and compare with NAC against contrast nephropathy.

Forty-two adult male rats were divided into six experimental groups, which were control, injected with intravenous (i.v.) CM, injected with i.p. CAPE, injected with i.p. NAC, injected with i.v. CM pretreated with i.p. CAPE, injected with i.v. CM pretreated with i.p. NAC. CAPE and NAC were given daily throughout the study. All rats were deprived of water for 24h at the third day of the study and then contrast medium was administered to CM, CAPECM and NACCM groups. The rats were sacrificed at the fifth day. Oxidant-antioxidant status was determined in renal tissues. The severity of injury was scored with a light microscope in renal tissue. Plasma creatinine levels were measured.

Renal injury scores were higher in CAPECM and NACCM groups than in control, CAPE and NAC groups, but lower than the CM group. Likewise, creatinine levels of CAPECM and NACCM groups were higher than the control groups but they were significantly lower than the level of the CM group. Creatinine levels of the NACCM group were significantly higher than the CAPECM group. Malondialdehyde levels were significantly lower in CAPECM and NACCM groups than the CM group.

CAPE might protect renal structure and functions as well as NAC against CM injury.