Protective effects of melatonin on renal failure in pinealectomized rats

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects melatonin on renal function.Methods: The histological appearance of the kidney and malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, glutathione and superoxide dismutase contents weredetermined. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels were also assayed. Rats were divided as: Sham, pinealectomized (Px) andpinealectomized and treated with melatonin.Results: In Px group, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels were elevated when compared with the sham group. The Px group exhibitedreduced superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione content. All of these harmful changes were restored by melatonin. Melatonin alsoameliorated serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels related to renal injury. The score for glomerular, tubular and interstitial changes wassignificantly higher in the Px group. Melatonin supplementation significantly reduced these parameters.Conclusions: This protective effect may be associated with both melatonin’s lipophilic and hydrophilic effects, thus providing on-site protec-tion against free radical mediated damage.