The ameliorative effect of various antioxidants on Adriamycin-induced fetal renal abnormalities

To examine the efficacy of nine antiapoptotic compounds in preventing the development of Adriamycin-induced fetal renal abnormalities or ameliorating the resultant renal damage in a rat model.

Thirty-three Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham-control, Adriamycin and prevention groups. The prevention group was divided into 9 subgroups. The rats were time mated and experimental rats were injected with Adriamycin on gestational day 7-9. Sham-control rats were injected with saline on the same days. The preventive medications were administered to the prevention group from 7 days prior to mating to the end of pregnancy. Samples were prepared from fetuses for histological and biochemical analyses.

A total of 331 fetuses were recovered. There were no resorptions in the Deferoxamine, Amifostine and sham-control groups. Significant decrease of antioxidant activities was noted in the Adriamycin group compared to the sham-control group. In all prevention groups, antioxidant activities were significantly increased compared to the Adriamycin group. The highest rate of hydronephrosis was observed in the Adriamycin group (82%). The lowest rates of renal abnormalities were noted with Deferoxamine and Amifostine: 8% and 11%.

Oxidant injury plays a critical role in the development and progression of Adriamycin-induced fetal renal abnormalities. Some antiapoptotic medications, notably Deferoxamine and Amifostine, may have preventive and therapeutic potential in the management of fetal renal abnormalities.