Protective effect of apocynin, a NADPH-oxidase inhibitor, against contrast-induced nephropathy in the diabetic rats: A comparison with n-acetylcysteine

Akbar Ahmad, Stefania Mondello, Rosanna Di Paola, Emanuela Mazzon, Emanuela Esposito, Maria Antonietta Catania, Domenico Italiano, Patrizia Mondello, Carmela Aloisi, Salvatore Cuzzocrea

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

37 Scopus citations

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of apocynin, a NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate)-oxidase inhibitor, in diabetic rats with nephropathy induced by contrast medium (CIN). Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by a single dose of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg i.v.). Animals were then divided into the following groups: 1) control group (diabetic rats treated i.v. with saline solution); 2) iomeprol group (iomeprol at 10 ml/kg was injected i.v. 30 min after saline administration); 3) apocynin group (identical to the iomeprol group, except for pre-treatment with apocynin 5 mg/kg i.v., 30 min before iomeprol injection) and 4) N-acetylcysteine group (NAC) (same as iomeprol group, except for the treatment with NAC 20 mg/kg i.v. 30 min before iomeprol injection). CIN in animals were assessed 24 h after administration of iomeprol. Apocynin significantly attenuates the impaired glomerular function, concentration of Na +, K +, alpha glutathione S-transferase levels in urine and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels in plasma caused by iomeprol. In kidney, immunohistochemical analysis of some inflammatory mediators, such as nitrotyrosine, poly-ADP-ribosyl polymerase, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β as well as apoptosis (evaluated as terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated UTP end labeling assay) revealed positive staining in tissue obtained from iomeprol group. These parameters were markedly reduced in animals treated with apocynin. Similarly, these parameters were also markedly modified by NAC pre-treatment. Here, we have shown that apocynin attenuates the degree of iomeprol-induced nephropathy in diabetic rats.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)397-406
Number of pages10
JournalEuropean Journal of Pharmacology
Volume674
Issue number2-3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 14 2012

Keywords

  • Apocynin
  • Contrast induced nephropathy
  • NADPH-oxidase

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Protective effect of apocynin, a NADPH-oxidase inhibitor, against contrast-induced nephropathy in the diabetic rats: A comparison with n-acetylcysteine'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this