Carnosine mitigates the adverse effect of doxorubicin on rat kidneys

Aim of the work: To assess the prospect nephron-protective influence of carnosine in rats that received doxorubicin and to study the likely mechanisms implicating this defensive action. Subjects and Methods: Intraperitoneal injection (i.p) of carnosine took place for six successive days in a dosage of 10mg/kg/day. This started three days prior to the induction of renal toxicity in rats by the use of doxorubicin i.p injection in the dosage of 15mg/kg. Results: The results clearly showed that carnosine treatment had significantly reduced elevated serum creatinine level. It also decreased both malondialdehyde and glutathione levels. It also helped in the reduction of catalase and superoxide dismutase activities in renal cortical homogenates. Histopathological and immunohistochemically examinations confirmed that carnosine had obviously improved this drug-induced nephrotoxicity. Conclusion: carnosine may have an effective protecting rule against kidney toxicity and malfunction that were experimentally induced when using doxorubicin.