Combined Administration of l-Carnitine and Ascorbic Acid Ameliorates Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats.

OBJECTIVES: Cisplatin (CIS) is an effective antitumor drug. However, its clinical use is limited due to nephrotoxicity. l-Carnitine and vitamin C are both natural antioxidant that can be obtained from diets. This study investigated the effects of l-carnitine and/or vitamin C in rats against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. METHODS: Twenty-five male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups of 5 rats each. Group 1, normal control. Group 2, positive control, received cisplatin (10 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally [i.p.]) for 3 days. Groups 3, 4, and 5 received cisplatin for 3 days and thereafter l-carnitine (50 mg/kg/day), vitamin C (100 mg/kg/day), or their combination, respectively, for 28 days. At the end of the study, a biochemical study was carried out in which nephrotoxicity markers, electrolytes, hematological indices, oxidative stress biomarkers, and renal histopathological alterations were evaluated. RESULTS: CIS-treated rats developed significant polyuria, increase in the plasma levels of creatinine, urea, and inorganic phosphate (Pi), alteration in hematological parameters, and decrease in plasma levels of Na+, Cl-, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+. Measurements of 24-hour urine output demonstrated markedly decreased creatinine and urea and increased Na+, Cl-, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ levels in the CIS-treated group, whereas Pi levels were not changed. It also caused significantly decreased catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in the rats' kidneys. Histopathological scores revealed renal tubular damage in CIS-treated rats. However, l-carnitine, vitamin C, or their combination significantly attenuated the alterations caused by CIS in the plasma and kidneys of the rats. CONCLUSION: l-Carnitine and vitamin C administration ameliorated CIS-induced nephrotoxicity due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Polyphenol-rich extract of Vernonia amygdalina (Del.) leaves ameliorated cadmium-induced alterations in feeding pattern and urine volume of male Wistar rats.

AIM: To determine the effects of polyphenol-rich extract of the leaves of Vernonia amygdalina (PEVA) on the feeding pattern of rats that were exposed to cadmium (Cd) toxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty male Wistar rats, weighing 160-180 g, were divided into 6 groups of 5 rats each as follows; Group 1 received distilled water orally (0.2 ml/100 g), daily, throughout the period of study. Group 2 received Cd alone (in the form of CdSO4) at 5 mg/kg/day via intraperitoneal route for 5 consecutive days. Group 3 were pre-treated with Cd as Group 2 and thereafter left untreated for a period of 4-week. After the oral lethal dose of PEVA was determined, Groups 4, 5, and 6 were pre-treated with Cd as Group 2 after which they received graded doses of PEVA at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day (0.2 ml/100 g), respectively via oral route for 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected for some plasma biochemical assays while urine samples were collected using metabolic cages. RESULTS: PEVA administration significantly increased (P < 0.05) the body weight and feeding patterns that were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) by Cd toxicity. PEVA also significantly reinstated the plasma antioxidant status, as well as glucose and urine volume of the rats toward control values (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: PEVA can be an herbal alternative in the treatment or management of subjects manifesting alterations in feeding pattern and urine volume that is Cd-induced.