Effect of Erythropoietin on Cisplatin Induced Nephrotoxicity in Adult Male Albino Rat: Histological, Ultrastructural and Biochemical Study

Abstract

Introduction: Cisplatin is documented as an effective chemotherapeutic drug with many adverse effects on vital organs, including nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity and ototoxicity. Erythropoietin is a glycoprotein hormone synthesized by the renal fibroblasts in the interstitial tissue of the renal cortex in response to hypoxia. Recent research work points out that it could to improve the renal dysfunction and histopathological alterations caused by oxidative stress. Aim of work: is to examine the possible protective role of erythropoietin in cases with cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity. Material and method: The present study used fifty adult male albino rats, with their weights within the range of 180-220 g. The rats were divided into five groups: Group I: received a single intraperitoneal injection of a normal saline solution. Group II: injected once with cisplatin intaperitoneally at a dose of 6 mg/kg. Group III: injected with a single dose of erythropoietin; 3000 IU/ kg intaperitoneally, and one day later they were injected with 6 mg/kg of cisplatin intaperitoneally. Group IV: injected with a single dose of erythropoietin; 3000 IU/kg intaperitoneally together with 6 mg/kg of cisplatin. Group V: injected with 3000 IU/kg erythropoietin intaperitoneally, and five days later they were given 6 mg/kg of cisplatin. Results: Cisplatin injection exerted various histopathological and laboratory alterations such as renal tubular cell necrosis, nuclear pyknosis and cytoplasmic vacuolation as well as marked elevation of levels of blood urea and serum creatinine. Erythropoietin could improve all the histopathological and functional deterioration exerted by cisplatin injection especially when given prior to cisplatin administration.