The Effects of Diclofenac on Renal Toxicity Disorders Induced by Gentamicin in Rats

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Gentamicin, an antibiotic is used to treat infection with gram-negative bacteria. Due to side effects such as renal disorders, its used is limited. In this research the effect of diclofenac on gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity was examined. METHODS: Male Wistar rats(n=32) weighting between 200-250 g were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 8 in each group):1- control group received no drug, 2- treatment group with gentamicin (100 mg/kg/day i.p) for 8 days, 3- treatment group with diclofenac (0.5 mg/kg/day i.p) for 8 days, 4- treatment group with gentamicin (100 mg/kg/day i.p) and diclofenac (0.5 mg/kg/day i.p) for 8 days. The animals were anesthetized, and blood pressure and renal artery blood flow were measured. The levels of urea, creatinin, sodium, potassium, and osmolality were determined in plasma and urine samples. Finally, the left kidney was maintained in 10% formalin for histological examination. FINDINGS: Co-treatment with diclofenac significantly decreased fractional excretion of potassium (328±17.6; p<0.001), fractional excretion of sodium (0.885±0.005; p<0.001), excretion of urea (56.08±5.56; p<0.001) and urine osmolality (439±14.3; p<0.01) but decreased renal blood flow (3.99±0.2). CONCLUSION: Results showed co-treatment with diclofenac led to worsen renal hemodynamic and function induced by gentamicin.