Pentoxifylline mitigates cholestasis-related cholemic nephropathy

Cholestasis is the stoppage of bile flow that primarily affects liver function. On the other hand, kidneys are also severely influenced during cholestasis. Cholestasis-induced kidney injury is known as cholemic nephropathy (CN). There is no precise pharmacological option in CN. Previous studies revealed that oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of CN. On the other hand, the positive effects of pentoxifylline (PTX) against renal injury with different etiologies have been frequently reported. In the current study, the potential nephroprotective role of PTX in cholestasis-induced renal injury is investigated.

Bile duct ligated (BDL) rats were treated with PTX (10, 50, and 100 mg/kg), and renal markers of oxidative stress, urine level of inflammatory cytokines, as well as renal histopathological alterations were monitored.

Significant changes in oxidative stress markers were detected in the BDL group. On the other hand, it was found that PTX (10, 50, and 100 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated cholestasis-induced oxidative stress in renal tissue. Renal histopathological changes, including interstitial inflammation, tubular atrophy, fibrosis, and cast formation, were detected in the BDL rats. Moreover, urine pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1, IL-9, IL-18, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interferon γ (INF-γ)] were significantly increased in the cholestatic animals. PTX (10, 50, and 100 mg/kg, 14 days) significantly ameliorated renal histopathological alterations and urine levels of inflammatory cytokines.

These data indicate a potential nephroprotective role for PTX in cholestasis. The effects of PTX on oxidative stress parameters and the inflammatory response could play a primary role in its renoprotective mechanisms.