Carvedilol, an Antihypertensive Drug with Antioxidant Properties, Protects against Glycerol-Induced Acute Renal Failure

Abstract

Background/Aims: The pathogenesis of glycerol-induced myoglobinuric acute renal failure involves, among other causes, ischaemia, vascular congestion and reactive oxygen metabolites. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of carvedilol, an antihypertensive drug with antioxidative potential, in glycerol-induced acute renal failure in rats. Methods: Three groups of rats were employed in this study. Group 1 served as control, group 2 was given 50% glycerol (8 ml/kg, i.m.) and group 3 was given glycerol plus carvedilol (3 mg/kg, i.p.). Renal injury was assessed by measuring plasma creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and urea clearance. The oxidative stress was measured by renal malondialdehyde levels, reduced glutathione levels and enzymatic activity of catalase, glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase. Results: Glycerol treatment resulted in marked renal oxidative stress and significantly deranged renal functions. Both of these factors were significantly improved by carvedilol treatment. Carvedilol, by its interaction with Fenton reaction chemistry and radical scavenging activity, protected the kidney against the oxidative stress and resultant renal dysfunction produced by glycerol. Conclusion: Based on these results, this study indicates the protective effect of carvedilol in this rhabdomyolysis-mimicking model.