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Published on: May 24, 2017
Nephrotoxic effects of varenicline as the most effective drug used for smoking cessation: a preliminary experimental
Akif Koç1, Haydar Ali Erken, Fatma Emel Koçak
1Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Balikesir University, ÇağişYerleşkesi, 10145, Balikesir, Turkey, akifkoc@yahoo.com.
Purpose:
Varenicline is a new most effective drug for smoking cessation. Its effect on kidney functions remains unclear. This study purposed to investigate whether varenicline causes nephrotoxicity in rats.
Methods:
Fifteen rats were randomly assigned to three groups: control, 0.0125 mg kg(-1) varenicline and 0.025 mg kg(-1) varenicline (single dose for 3 days, i.p.). Before and after experimental period, serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, creatinine and urea levels were measured. Total oxidant and antioxidant status were measured in kidney homogenates. Histological examination was performed in kidney.
Results:
The nephrotoxic effects of varenicline were detected by histopathological and biochemical examinations in the varenicline treatment groups. No change was observed in the control group.
Conclusions:
These findings firstly indicate that a 3-day varenicline treatment causes nephrotoxic effects in rats.
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