Abstract
Background: Nephrotoxicity is the most known side effect of gentamicin. In addition, renin
angiotensin system (RAS) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of renal injury and
nephrotoxicity. Hypomagnesaemia is other complication of gentamicin. Previous studies
reported that magnesium plays an important role in cell enzymatic functions, reducing lipid
peroxidation.
Objectives: We investigated the role of losartan and magnesium sulfate (MgSO4
) on gentamicin
nephrotoxicity.
Materials and Methods: In this study, rats randomly assigned to five groups. The first group,
received saline, the second group received gentamicin 80 mg/kg/d, intraperitoneally (ip), and
the third group, received a regular dose of losartan, 10 mg/kg/d + gentamicin 80 mg/kg/d. The
fourth group received MgSO4
, 80 mg/kg/d + gentamicin 80 mg/kg/d. The fifth group obtained
a continuous dose of gentamicin 80 mg/kg/d + losartan 10 mg/kg/d + MgSO4
80 mg/kg/d
simultaneously. Nine days after administration of drugs, blood samples were collected from the
heart. The level of urea, creatinine (Cr), malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrite were measured in
the animal serum and homogenized kidney tissue.
Results: Gentamicin increased serum urea and Cr levels. The administration of losartan and
MgSO4
lonely and combination of them, significantly reduced the levels of serum urea and
Cr. Losartan alone and combination of losartan and MgSO4
compared with gentamicin,
significantly decreased kidney MDA level too. Decrease of kidney nitrite level by gentamicin
was compensated by the administration of losartan, MgSO4
alone or their combination.
Additionally, losartan and MgSO4
alone and their combination together significantly reduced
renal damage.
Conclusions: The results of this study indicated that administration of losartan and MgSO4
individually and their combination decreased kidney nephrotoxicity and improved renal
function. This effect is probably related to the improvement of antioxidant status and renal
blood flow.