Investigating the Protective Effects of Astragalus Membranaceus on Nephrotoxicity in Cyclosporine A-treated Rats

摘要

The immunosuppressive drug, cyclosporine A (CsA), has been used in patients who were treated for immune diseases and in transplant patients. However, nephrotoxicity due to CsA, remains an important clinical challenge. Although the mechanisms of nephrotoxicity are far from clear, notwithstanding there is evidence that suggests the role of oxidative stress in its pathogenesis. This study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of the Chinese herbal medicine, astragalus membranaceus (AM), in CsA-induced nephrotoxicity in a rat model. Adult Sprague–Dawley rats were treated with olive oil, CsA (25 mg/kg/bw), AM (5 mg/kg/bw), CsA plus AM for 30 days. Renal function, Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured and histopathology, and Immunohistochemical staining for Endothelin was performed. In this study, CsA caused a significant deterioration in renal function, morphology, and also induced oxidative stress, as indicated by increased renal MDA. Administration of AM along with CsA improved the functional and histological parameters of the kidneys, and counteracted the oxidative stress induced by CsA. These results suggested that AM has a protective potential in experimental CsA nephrotoxicity.