Publication:

Protective effect of calpain inhibition on contrast induced nephropathy in rats

Background Although the underlying mechanisms of contrast induced nephropathy (CIN) is unclear, some mechanisms are suspected such as direct toxic effects of contrast media (CM) and oxidative stress. In this study, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and protective effects of calpain inhibitor-1 (CAL-1) were investigated in experimental model of CIN.

Methods Twenty-eight Sprague Dawley female rats, aged 8-10 weeks were used. CIN was induced by administration of high-osmolal CM diatrizoate (6 ml/kg) after 48 h of dehydration into the tail vein. Rats of CAL-1 and CM + CAL-1 groups were administered Cal I-1 (10 mg/kg, IP) 30 minutes before administration of CM. Kidney function parameters, renal tissue oxidative stress markers were measured. At the end of the study Renal tissues were dyed with Hematoxylin-Eosin, periodic acid shiff (PAS) and TUNEL paints.

Results Increases of serum creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels in CM group were significantly high than control group (p<0.002, p<0.002, respectively). BUN and Cr levels of CM + CAL-1 group were significantly lower than those in CM group (p<0.002, p<0.007, respectively). Tissue oxidative stress markers in CM + CAL-1 group were lower than in CM group. CM group had a significant increase in apoptotic cells with TUNEL staining. There was a significant reduction in apoptotic cells in CM + CAL-1 group compared to CM group.

Conclusions It has been determined that CAL-1 provides protection of renal functions by preventing the increase of oxidative stress and apoptosis in the experimentally created CIN model in rats.