ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to evaluate the potential nephroprotective effects of febuxostat, mirtazapine, and their combination against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. METHODS: Induction of nephrotoxicity was achieved via gentamicin injection (100 mg/kg, I.P., for 7 days). Two different doses of mirtazapine (15-30 mg/kg), febuxostat (5-10 mg/kg), and their combination were administered daily for 14 days prior to gentamicin injection and then concomitantly with gentamicin for additional 7 days. Nephrotoxicity was evaluated histopathologically and biochemically. Renal caspase-3, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), nuclear factor-kappa-ß (NF-κß), and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1) were assayed. RESULTS: Febuxostat and mirtazapine significantly (p < 0.05) alleviated biochemical and histopathological alterations that were induced by gentamicin and, for the first time, significantly decreased the renal levels of ERK1/2 and MCP-1. Conclusion: Febuxostat and mirtazapine were found to have a synergistic impact in reducing gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. EXPERT OPINION: The utility of nonpurine xanthine oxidase inhibitor, such as febuxostat and mirtazapine are offering a new potential opportunity for the future nephroprotective effects therapy: Febuxostat and mirtazapine are found to have a synergistic impact in reducing gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity.
