STUDY OF PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF MELATONIN ON CISPLATIN-INDUCED NEPHROTOXICITY IN RABBITS

Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the protective effects of melatonin on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rabbits.
Study Design: Laboratory based randomized control trial.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics in collaboration with Clinico-
Pathologic Laboratory, Army Medical College, Rawalpindi, from Apr to Jun 2015.
Material and Methods: Eighteen rabbits were divided into three groups, each consisting of six rabbits. Baseline serum urea, creatinine, sodium and potassium were measured. Rabbits were weighed for dose calculation. A single dose of cisplatin 10mg/kg was given as I/P injection to the toxic group. The protective group received 5 mg/kg I/P melatonin for three days. Rabbits were sacrificed 72 hours after the cisplatin dose and both kidneys were sent for histopathology. Statistical analysis was carried out by using Microsoft Office Excel 2010 and SPSS version 21. Student’s t-test and one way ANOVA, followed by ‘Post Hoc Tukey’ test was used for biochemical parameters, while Chi Square’ test was used for histopathological comparison.
Results: Moderate nephrotoxicity (grade-II) was seen in the toxic group, with substantial elevations of serum urea and creatinine (p<0.001), and serum sodium and potassium (p<0.01). Melatonin ameliorated the renal injury.
Conclusion: The protective effects of melatonin on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity were due to its antioxidant properties.