role of magnesium supplementation in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in a rat model: no nephroprotectant effect

ABSTRACT

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