RESUMO
BACKGROUND: In view of the high cost of the new immunosuppressive drugs, which represents a challenge for both patients and governmental resources especially in developing countries, trials to prevent side effects of the first calcineurin inhibitor discovered (cyclosporine, Cs) are of particular interest. METHODS: In this prospective randomized experimental study, 60 male Sprague Dawley rats were enrolled. Group 1 served as negative control group and received olive oil. Group 2 received Cs orally 100 mg/kg for 80 days and served as positive control group. Group 3 was given daily colchicine (30 microg/kg/day) in addition to Cs. Group 4 was given omega-3 fatty acids (100 mg/kg/day) in addition to Cs. Animals were subjected every other week to laboratory assessment for serum creatinine, sodium, potassium, and Cs whole-blood through levels. At the end point, the animals were sacrificed, and kidney tissue was examined for histopathological changes. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, and serum sodium and potassium in all groups. Histopathological examination of kidney tissues showed focal tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis in inner medulla and inner strip of the outer medulla in all Cs-treated animals. Morphological changes were significantly less in colchicine-treated rats compared to omega-3 fatty acid-treated rats and absent in the negative control group. Furthermore, immunostaining showed positive reactions for vimentin in Cs-treated animals only. CONCLUSIONS: Colchicine and omega-3 fatty acids are protective for the kidney against cyclosporine-induced nephropathy; however, colchicine is more protective than omega-3 fatty acid.