Therapeutic benefit of resveratrol in 5-fluorouracil-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Background: The prevention of nephrotoxicity caused by 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) can improve patients' adherence to treatment.Aim and Objective: This study assessed the ability of resveratrol (RES) to prevent 5-FU-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Materials and Methods: Forty adult male albino rats randomized into eight groups of n = 5 were used. Group A (control) was administered with 0.2 mL of normal saline intraperitoneally (i.p.), whereas Groups B-D were administered with 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg of RES daily for 5 days respectively. Group E was administered with 20 mg/kg of 5-FU ip daily for 5 days. Groups F-H were administered with 10 mg/kg of RES + 20 mg/kg of 5-FU, 20 mg/kg of RES + 20 mg/kg of 5-FU, and 40 mg/kg of RES + 20 mg/kg of 5-FU ip daily for 5 days, respectively. Blood samples were collected after rats were sacrificed and evaluated for serum renal function biomarkers. Kidneys were evaluated for oxidative stress markers and histology. Results: Serum creatinine, urea, and uric acid levels were significantly (P < 0.001) increased, whereas total protein, albumin, potassium, sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate levels were significantly (P < 0.001) decreased in 5-FU-treated rats when compared to control. Kidney superoxide dismutase, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase levels were significantly (P < 0.001) decreased, whereas malondialdehyde levels were significantly increased in 5-FU-treated rats when compared to control. Furthermore, the kidneys of 5-FU-treated rats showed tubular necroses and atrophic glomeruli. The aforementioned nephrotoxic changes were significantly abrogated in rats supplemented with 10 mg/kg (P < 0.05), 20 mg/kg (P < 0.01), and 40 mg/kg (P < 0.001) of RES when compared to 5-FU. Conclusion: RES may have therapeutic benefit in nephrotoxicity caused by 5-FU.