Nephroprotective Effects of Sarsasapogenin in Adenine-Induced Chronic Kidney Failure in Experimental Rats

Background

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), characterized by a progressive decrease in kidney function, has become a prominent health issue worldwide. The limitations of existing therapeutics for CKD underscore the pressing need for safe and effective alternative therapies that might target the underlying pathogenic pathways and inhibit disease progression.

Objectives

In this work, we studied the nephroprotective effects of sarsasapogenin in adenine-induced CKD model in rats.

Materials and Methods

The experimental rats were administered 200 mg/kg of adenine for four weeks to induce CKD, and concurrently treated with sarsasapogenin (30 and 60 mg/ kg, respectively) by oral route for four weeks. Rats were observed weekly for alterations in body weight and food intake. The concentrations of biochemical markers, including uric acid, creatinine, urea nitrogen, electrolytes, and liver function marker enzymes in the serum was evaluated using kits. The biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines were evaluated using kits. The kidney tissues were subjected to the histopathological analysis.

Results

The current findings indicated that sarsasapogenin treatment increased body weight and food intake of the adenine-induced rats. The serum levels of the creatinine, uric acid, and urea nitrogen in the adenine-induced rats were considerably reduced by the sarsasapogenin treatment. Furthermore, sarsasapogenin treatment significantly increased antioxidant levels, reduced inflammatory cytokines, and regulated electrolyte levels in the adenine-induced rats. Moreover, the findings of the histological study has further evidenced the nephroprotective properties of the sarsasapogenin.

Conclusion

The present findings demonstrate that sarsasapogenin treatment can mitigate and protect against adenine-induced CKD in rats. The beneficial nephroprotective effects of sarsasapogenin may be due to its notable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.