Effect of Melatonin on Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Kidney Injury Molecule 1 (KIM-1) in Nephrotoxic Male Rat

Abstract

Background: Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxy tryptamine) is a hormone primarily secreted by the pineal gland at night also it prevents impairment of cellular mitochondrial function and dynamics, reducing the production of oxygen free radicals.

Aim of study: Investigation of melatonin effect on SOD and KIM-1.

Methods: Thirty six male rats were divided into 6 groups I: Negative control group, group II: Positive control nephrotic induced by cisplatin (5mg/kg), group III: rats treated with melatonin 5mg\kg\day after nephrotic induction by cisplatin (5mg/kg), group IV: nephrotic rats treated with melatonin 10mg/kg, Group V: nephrotic rats treated with melatonin 20 mg/kg, group VI: nephrotic rats treated with Berberis vulgaris 100mg /kg. SOD, KIM-1, urea and creatinine were also recorded.

Results: This study showed a reduction in the serum SOD level between negative and positive control groups. In nephrotic group, serum SOD levels were decrease from (43.50 ± 5.78 to 25.50 ± 3.14 pg/ml), highest mean (41.83 ±3.18 pg/ml) was found after treatment with 100 mg\kg Berberis vulgaris compared with the positive control group, also showed significant elevated between 20mg melatonin and positive groups(25.50 ±3.14 to 40.33±3.55 )

Nephrotoxicity increase KIM-1 level (from 1.16 ±0.20 to 2.05 ±0.24 ng/l), significant difference were found between the use of 20 mg melatonin and positive control groups i.e. the use of 20 mg of melatonin reduce KIM-1 levels (from 2.05 ±0.24 to 1.45 ±0.28b ng/l).

Nephrotoxicity produced significant elevation in serum urea level compared to negative control, as well as melatonin and Berberis vulgaris treated group. The positive control group showed the highest mean (148.0± 6.78mg/dl) while the negative control group showed the lowest mean (30.83± 2.13mg/dl). Nephrotoxicity produced significant elevation in serum creatinine level compared to negative control as well as melatonin treated groups, and berberis vulgaris treated group. The positive control group showed the highest mean (0.84 ± 0.11mg/dl) while the negative control group showed the lowest mean (0.34833 ± .035 mg/dl).

Conclusions: Melatonin improve the levels of SOD, KIM-1, Urea and creatinine in nephrotoxicity.