Protective effect of alpha-linolenic acid on cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity in rat kidneys

Introduction and Objective: Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), one of the polyunsaturated fatty acids, is very important for the continuity of human life. ALA is a protective nutrient for the heart and cardiovascular system. However, ALA also has very strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Studies have reported that ALA reduces the effects of nephrotoxic drugs. Therefore, we aimed to determine the protective activity of alpha-linolenic acid on uresin of cyclosporine(CsA) induced nephrotoxicity. Material and Method: Rat nephron cells (NRK-52e) were cultured. Cells were divided into 4 groups as control, ALA, CsA and ALA together with CsA. 10 mg/kg CsA was administered to the CsA group. ALA (200mg/kg) was administered together with 10 mg/kg CsA to the group in which ALA was administered together with CsA. At the end of the experiment, oxidative stress and apoptosis marker (Bax, Caspase-3, MDA) and enzymatic antioxidant (SOD, CAT, GPx) levels were measured by ELISA method. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for statistical comparisons and Bonferroni was used as post hoc test. Results: It was observed that oxidative stress markers (Bax, Caspase 3, MDA) increased and enzymatic antioxidant (SOD, CAT, GPx) levels decreased in CsA-treated rat kidney cell culture. It was observed that ALA administration provided a significant decrease in oxidative stress markers and an increase in antioxidant status. Conclusion: In this study, it has been shown that ALA, an antioxidant, can reverse the nephrotoxic effects of CsA by reducing the oxidative stress effect on rat nephron cells and can be an alternative treatment for preventing CsA nephrotoxicity. However, more animal and human studies are needed to determine the dose of the drug with the highest antioxidant effect and to determine the effects after different combinations. Keywords: Alpha-linolenic acid, nephrotoxicity, NRK-52e, cyclosporine, oxidative stress