The Effect of Dextrose Hypotonic vs Saline Hydration on Methotrexate-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Male and Female Rats

High-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) as a cytotoxic agent might cause various side effects. Hyperhydration has been implemented as the major strategy to decrease the potential risk of toxicities induced by HDMTX. This study aims to assess the renoprotective effect of hydration with dextrose water (DW) 5% versus normal saline (N/S) 0.9% against methotrexate (MTX) induced nephrotoxicity.

This experimental animal study has been conducted on 36 Wistar rats (200-250 g) categorized into six groups, including male (n = 6) and female (n = 6) rats receiving sodium chloride 0.9% saline plus MTX, DW 5% plus MTX, or MTX alone. By the fifth day after the MTX injection, biochemical indexes were measured. The rats were also sacrificed and renal specimens were evaluated microscopically to determine kidney tissue damage (KTD).

The groups were not significantly different with regard to blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (P = 0.5), creatinine (Cr) (P = 0.24), kidney weight (P = 0.34), and urine flow (UF) (P = 0.5), while KTD score was remarkably less in the hydrated groups (P < 0.001). Weight loss in DW-treated rats was significantly more than N/S-treated ones, and creatinine clearance (CrCl) and urine load (UL) of Cr were statistically similar between males and females in the control group, but significantly lower among the DW5% treated males.

Based on the findings of this study, hydration with N/S was superior to DW5% for the prevention from HDMTX-induced nephrotoxicity. Besides, we found insignificant differences between male versus female rats in response to the hydration for HDMTX-induced renoprotection; however, females probably benefit more.