Effect of Melatonin on the Antioxidant Enzymes in the Kidneys of Cyclosporine-Treated Rats

Abstract

The pathophysiology of cyclosporine (CsA)-induced nephrotoxicity remains unclear, however, experimental and clinical data strongly suggest that CsA-induced nephrotoxicity results from increased production of free radicals exclusive for the kidney.¹ Melatonin has been reported to have antioxidant properties in addition to its known hormonal activities.²,³ It is an effective scavenger of both the highly toxic hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals.³ Additionally, melatonin may stimulate antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase.³ Thus, melatonin exerts a protective effect on CsA-induced nephrotoxicity.⁴ To study the mechanisms of the protective effect of melatonin on CsA-induced nephrotoxicity, we measured malondialdehyde content, antioxidant enzyme activities, and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for SOD.