The Role of Magnesium Supplementation in Cisplatin-induced Nephrotoxicity in a Rat Model: No Nephroprotectant Effect

• Published in: International journal of preventive medicine 2012-09, Vol.3 (9), p.637-643
• Main Authors: Ashrafi, Farzaneh, Haghshenas, Sara, Nematbakhsh, Mehdi, Nasri, Hamid, Talebi, Ardeshir, Eshraghi-Jazi, Fatemeh, Pezeshki, Zahra, Safari, Tahereh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cancer; Chemotherapy; Cisplatin; Dietary supplements; Magnesium; nephrotoxicity; Original; rat; Rodents; Toxicity
• ISSN: 2008-7802; 2008-8213

Cisplatin (CP) is used as the commonest drug to treat solid tumors. It is accompanied by a nephrotoxicity side effect. The main objective of this study is to investigate the protective role of magnesium (Mg) supplementation in CP-induced nephrotoxicity in a rat model. Twenty-nine Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups (1-4). Groups 1-3 received 20, 80, and 200 mg/kg magnesium sulfate respectively, for 10 days, but on day 3, a single dose of CP (7 mg/kg, i.p.) was also injected. Group 4 (positive control group) received the same regimen of Groups 1-3 except saline instead magnesium sulfate. One week after CP administration, blood samples were obtained and all animals were killed for kidney histopathological investigations. All CP-treated animals lost weight, and the percentage of weight loss in Group 1 (low dose Mg sulfate treated) was significantly higher compared with the positive control group (Group 4, P < 0.05). The increase in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) levels in serum in Group 1 were more than those in other groups (P < 0.05). No statistical differences were observed in serum magnesium, nitrite, and total protein levels among the groups. The kidney tissue damage in Groups 1-3 was not significantly different when compared with Group 4. Moreover, the kidney and testis weights in Group 1 were significantly greater than those in the positive control group (P < 0.05). Regarding the BUN and Cr levels in the serum, kidneys weight, and the histopathological study, the low dose of Mg supplementation intensifies kidney toxicity and renal dysfunction in CP-induced nephrotoxicity in the rat model. However, the protective role of Mg with moderate and high doses is not certain.