Protective Effect of Citicoline on Sodium Arsenite-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Mice

Background: Sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) is a common mineral contaminant in drinking water in numerous parts of the world. It has been shown to have cardiovascular, metabolic, neuroendocrine, and urinary effects on the body. There is abundant scientific evidence that establishes a strong correlation between arsenic exposure and kidney-related disorders. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the potential protective effect of citicoline against NaAsO2-induced nephrotoxicity. Methods: The groups included a control group, a group treated with NaAsO2 at a concentration of 50 ppm, a group treated with Cit at a dosage of 1000 mg/kg, and three groups of NaAsO2 (50 ppm) co-treated with Cit at doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg, respectively. Results: Citicoline decreased the activity level of blood urea nitrogen (P < 0.001), creatinine levels (P < 0.001), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (P < 0.001), nitric oxide (P < 0.001), inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-α (P < 0.001) and interleukin-6 (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001). Furthermore, Cit increased total thiol (P < 0.001) and activity levels of catalase (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001), superoxide dismutase (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001), and glutathione peroxidase (P < 0.001). Therefore, Cit reduced the harmful effects caused by the imbalance in oxidative and antioxidant systems and histopathological damage in NaAsO2-intoxicated mice, improving the damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation. Conclusions: Our research indicates that Cit can shield the kidneys from the damaging effects of NaAsO2 by leveraging its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.