Biochemical and histopathological studies of the PTU-induced hypothyroid rat kidney with reference to the ameliorating role of folic acid

Toxicol Ind Health. 2013 Aug;29(7):600-8. doi: 10.1177/0748233711432577. Epub 2012 Jan 27.

Abstract

Thyroid hormones (THs) are essential for growth and development of the kidney. Also TH influences glomerular filtration and tubular functions. Hypothyroidism negative influences kidney function indirectly by affecting the cardiovascular system and the renal blood flow, and directly by affecting glomerular filtration, tubular functions and the structure of the kidney. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in biochemical markers, oxidative stress parameter and histological changes in kidney of hypothyroid rats before and after treatment with folic acid. Hypothyroidism was induced for 6 weeks by the administration of propylthiouracil in drinking water. Urea and creatinine were measured to evaluate the changes in kidney function. Also malondialdehyde, nitrite, nitrate and other oxidative stress parameter were measured in serum and kidney tissue as indicators of oxidative damage. Kidney function and oxidative stress parameters in hypothyroid rats were significantly changed compared to those in control rats. Treatment with folic acid helps in improving the adverse effect of hypothyroidism; the histological study also confirms this finding.

Keywords: 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil; Hypothyroidism; folic acid; kidney.

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology*
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use
  • Creatinine / blood
  • Folic Acid / pharmacology*
  • Folic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Hypothyroidism* / chemically induced
  • Hypothyroidism* / drug therapy
  • Hypothyroidism* / metabolism
  • Kidney / chemistry
  • Kidney / drug effects*
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Male
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects*
  • Propylthiouracil / toxicity
  • Rats
  • Triiodothyronine / blood
  • Urea / blood
  • Weight Gain / drug effects

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Triiodothyronine
  • Propylthiouracil
  • Urea
  • Folic Acid
  • Creatinine