A combination of generated hydrogen sulfide and nitric oxide activity has a potentiated protectant effect against cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity

Aim Hydrogen sulfide and possess cytoprotective activity and in vivo, they are generated from exogenous sodium hydrosulfide and L-arginine respectively. Cisplatin is a major chemotherapeutic agent used to treat cancer and has a high incidence of nephrotoxicity as a side effect. The study aim was to explore the effects of NaHS and L-arginine or their combination on cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Methods Wistar Kyoto rats were given a single intraperitoneal dose of cisplatin (5mg/kg) followed either by NaHS (56 μmol/kg, i.p.), L-arginine (1.25 g/liter in drinking water) or their combination daily for 28-days. Post-mortem plasma, urine and kidney samples were collected for biochemical assays and histopathological analysis. Results Cisplatin decreased body weights and increased urinary output, while plasma creatinine and urea levels were elevated, but sodium and potassium concentrations were diminished. The renal function parameters, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine clearance, were raised and decreased respectively. Regarding markers of reactive oxygen species, plasma total superoxide dismutase was reduced, whereas malondiadehyde was augmented.Cisplatin also diminished plasma and urinary H2S as well as plasma NO, while NaHS and L-arginine counteracted this activity on both redox-active molecules. Cisplatin cotreatment with NaHS, and/or L-arginine exhibited a reversal of all other measured parameters. Conclusion In current study, NaHS and L-arginine as monotherapy protected the rats from cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity but the combination of both worked more effectively suggesting the augmented anti-inflammatory and antioxidative potential of test treatments when administered together.