Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 25, 2026
A Doxorubicin-Induced Murine Model of Dilated Cardiomyopathy In Vivo
Published on: May 16, 2020
Protective effect of proanthocyanidins against doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats
El-Sayed M El-Sayed1, Ahmed M Mansour1, Waleed S El-Sawy2
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.
Abstract:
Doxorubicin (DOX) exerts toxic effects in several organs particularly kidney. The present study aimed to assess the protective effect of proanthocyanidins (PAs) against DOX-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. A single dose of DOX (7.5 mg/kg, i.v.) significantly increased kidney weight, kidney/body weight ratio, serum urea, creatinine, tumor necrosis factor alpha levels, and kidney contents of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, cyclooxygenase-2, and caspase-3 activity with significant reduction in final body weight, serum albumin, kidney contents of reduced glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase activity as compared with control group. In contrast, pretreatment with PAs (200 mg/kg, p.o.) for 14 days before DOX and for 7 days after DOX ameliorated kidney function and oxidative stress parameters. Histopathological evidence confirmed the protective effects of PAs from the tissue damage induced by DOX. In conclusion, PAs have a multi-nephroprotective effect that might be attributed to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptoic activities.
Insights
Proanthocyanidins (PAs) protect against Doxorubicin (DOX)-induced kidney damage by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. This study demonstrates PAs
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Doxorubicin (DOX) is a widely used chemotherapy agent with significant nephrotoxic side effects.
- Kidney damage from DOX can manifest as impaired function and structural damage.
- Identifying protective agents against DOX-induced nephrotoxicity is crucial for improving cancer patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the protective effects of proanthocyanidins (PAs) against Doxorubicin (DOX)-induced nephrotoxicity in a rat model.
- To investigate the underlying mechanisms of PA-mediated protection, focusing on oxidative stress and inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Rats were pretreated with proanthocyanidins (PAs) orally before and after a single intravenous dose of Doxorubicin (DOX).
- Kidney function was assessed by measuring serum urea and creatinine levels.
- Oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, reduced glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase activity, were analyzed.
- Inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor alpha, cyclooxygenase-2) and apoptotic activity (caspase-3) were quantified.
- Histopathological examination of kidney tissues was performed.
Main Results:
- DOX administration significantly increased kidney weight, serum urea and creatinine, and kidney levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers.
- DOX treatment led to decreased final body weight, serum albumin, and kidney antioxidant enzyme activities.
- PA pretreatment significantly ameliorated DOX-induced changes in kidney function and oxidative stress parameters.
- Histopathology confirmed that PAs protected kidney tissues from DOX-induced damage.
Conclusions:
- Proanthocyanidins (PAs) exhibit significant nephroprotective effects against Doxorubicin (DOX)-induced kidney injury in rats.
- The protective mechanisms of PAs involve antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities.
- PAs represent a potential therapeutic strategy to mitigate the renal toxicity associated with DOX chemotherapy.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
01:26Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System
01:24Drug Toxicity: Dose-Dependent Reactions