Effect of Melatonin on Renal Function in Cyclosporine Nephrotoxicity

Abstract

Nephrotoxicity, characterized by functional and morphological changes,¹,² is the most common complication and clinically important side effect of cyclosporine (CsA)³-5 The pathophysiology of CsA-induced nephrotoxicity remains unclear, however, much experimental and clinical data have strongly suggested that CsA-induced nephrotoxicity results from the increase in the production of free radical species exclusively in the kidney.³-5

Melatonin, a pineal secretary product, acts as a highly efficient free radical scavenger that protects cells from the damaging by oxygen free radicals.6, 7, 8 and 9 Thus, melatonin may have a protective effect on the deteriorated renal function resulted from oxygen free radicals in the CsA-induced nephrotoxicity.

To test this hypothesis, CsA nephrotoxicity was induced by subcutaneous injection of CsA for 14 days. Protection by melatonin was done by the injection with melatonin intraperitoneally at the time of CsA injection. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine and creatinine clearance (CCr) were measured to estimate renal function. And malondialdehyde which gives an indirect index of oxidative injury10 was also measured in the kidney.