Investigation of the Effects of Amlodipine on Paracetamol- Induced Acute Kidney Toxicity in Rats

Abstract

Objective: Paracetamol is an analgesic and antipyretic agent that widely used throughout the world. The increase of the usage and its easy accessibility brings along the toxicity risk. Paracetamol toxicity may result in drug induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of amlodipine which creates vasodilatation by blocking L-type calcium channels and its usage in elderly for renoprotective purposes, ponders that it might be favorable in cases with inflammation such renal damage inducted with paracetamol. Thus, aim of our study is to analyze effects of amlodipine, one of L-type calcium channel blockers, in acute renal damage inducted with paracetamol. Methods: 30 male rats consisting of 5 groups were used in our study. Groups; I: Health Control group. 2 ml Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) oral was administered. II: 10 mg/kg Amlodipine III: Paracetamol (2g/kg) IV: 5 mg/kg Amlodipine + paracetamol V: 10 mg/kg Amlodipine + paracetamol. Rats were sacrificed after 24 hours following paracetamol administration. Results: Serum levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were increased in paracetamol group, those parameters improved in amlodipine groups. While superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione (GSH) levels measured in kidney decreased in paracetamol group, amlodipine has significantly corrected these parameters. Meanwhile malondialdehyde (MDA) quantities increased in paracetamol group, it has been seen that in the amlodipine administered groups quantities of increased MDA have statistically significantly decreased Conclusion: This study showed that amlodipine has protective effects against paracetamol toxicity in kidney. Amlodipine revealed its protective effects by suppressing the oxidative damage and improving antioxidant activity. Amlodipine can be drug of choice in hypertensive patients with analgesic nephropathies.