Introduction: Doxorubicin (DOX) induced nephropathy is a commonly used model. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2NPs) have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant roles. Quercetin is a polyphenolic structure found in different plant products and acts as an antioxidant.
Objective: The current study was conducted to compare the possible therapeutic effect of CeO2NPs versus quercetin against DOX-induced nephropathy at different time points.
Material and Methods: Fifty- five rats were divided into five groups. Control group (group I). Induction of nephropathy: rats were intraperitoneally injected with DOX in a dose of 2.5 mg/Kg BW day after day for 2 weeks then: Group II (DOX-treated groups): rats were sacrificed after 3 weeks of cessation of DOX injection in group IIa and 5 weeks of cessation of DOX injection in group IIb. Group III (DOX + CeO2NPs group): received CeO2 NPs for two weeks following 3 weeks of cessation of DOX injection in group IIIa and 5 weeks of cessation of DOX injection in group IIIb. Group IV (DOX + quercetin group): received quercetin for two weeks following 3 weeks of cessation of DOX injection in group IIIa and 5 weeks of cessation of DOX injection in group IIIb. Group V: cessation of DOX injection for 7 weeks. Biochemical, light microscopic, and ultrastructural studies were done. PCNA and WT-1 count and AFP immunohistochemical expression were measured.
Results: DOX-treated groups exhibited increased serum urea and creatinine, widened Bowman's space, degenerative changes in renal tubules, and increased collagen fibers which were more prominent in group IIb. Ultrastructurally, effacement of podocytes was seen. Significantly decreased WT-1 expression and increased PCNA and AFP were detected. CeO2NPs were more effective compared to quercetin in attenuating renal degenerative changes in DOX-induced nephropathy.
Conclusion: DOX caused duration-dependent renal toxicity. CeO2NPs were more effective than quercetin in attenuating renal degenerative changes in DOX-induced nephropathy.