Comparative Study between Protective Effects of L-Carnitine and Curcumin on Nephrotoxicity Induced by Cisplatin in Adult Male Albino Rats

Background: Cisplatin is regarded as a main anticancer drug. However, nephrotoxicity is its major side effect and chief dose-limiting factor. L-carnitine (LC) is a natural nutrient, while Curcumin (CMN) is derived from turmeric (Curcuma longa) plants. Both could prevent nephrotoxicity. Objectives: To evaluate nephrotoxicity induced by cisplatin ,detect protective effect of L-carnitine and curcumin in reducing cisplastin nephrotoxicity and determine which is more potent . Materials and Methods: Forty adult male albino rats were randomly divided into 4 groups ten rats each; Group1; Control group, received isotonic saline, 2. Group 2; cisplatin treated (7mg/kg body weight as a single dose), Group 3; treated with LC (500 mg/kg/day) plus cisplatin, Group 4; treated with cisplatin plus CMN (100mg/kg /day).The duration of experiment was 10 days. Specimens were prepared for light and electron microscopic examination. Morphometric and statistical studies were done to measure the diameter of proximal convoluted tubules (PCT) and Bowman's space. Results: The cisplatin-treated rats had destructive damage of the renal glomeruli including all types of pathological changes in the cortex and marked degeneration of the proximal convoluted tubules (PCTs). The treatment with LC and curcumin prevented severe damage caused by cisplatin. However LC treated rats showed more improvement than CMN treated group. Conclusions: Administration of L-carnitine with cisplatin decreases its nephrotoxicity which is the major cisplatin side effect.