Mitigating Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats: A Comparative Study of Ambroxol and Coenzyme Q10 Effects

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS Cisplatin (Cis), used in the treatment of various types of cancer, causes serious kidney damage. In this study, the protective effects of ambroxol (Amb) and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) were examined to reduce the toxic effect of Cis on the kidneys. MATERIALS AND METHODS Adult female rats were divided into 6 groups; control, Cis, Amb, CoQ10, Cis + Amb and Cis + CoQ10. The rats were sacrificed at the end of the 7-day experimental period. Blood and tissue samples were taken for biochemical and histomorphological examinations. Biochemically, urea and creatinine were analyzed from serum, and TNF-alpha and malondialdehyde (MDA) analyses were performed from serum and tissues. Histologically, H&E and immunohistochemical caspase-3 staining analyses were performed. RESULTS Serum urea, creatinine, TNF-alpha, and MDA (both serum and tissue values) were quite high in the Cis group, and there was a significant difference between them and all other groups (p<0.05). As a result of biochemical analyses, no significant difference was detected between Cis + Amb and Cis + CoQ10 (p>0.05). Under light microscopy, the Cis group showed the most damage. It was observed that Cis + Amb and Cis + CoQ10 groups reduced kidney damage. There was a significant difference between the Cis-only group and the Cis + Amb group in terms of glomerular and tubular damage (p<0.05). In the Cis group, caspase-3 expression was significantly increased compared to the other groups, and a statistical difference in caspase-3 expression was found between the Cis + Amb and Cis + CoQ10 groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Ambroxol and coenzyme Q10 were found to be effective in reducing kidney damage caused by cisplatin.