Candesartan protects from cisplatin-induced kidney damage via the GDF-15 pathway.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the protective effect of candesartan against cisplatin-induced kidney damage, with a specific focus on the growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

24 adult female Wistar rats, with a weight range of 200-210 grams, were enrolled in the study. Eight rats were included as a normal control group and did not receive any medication. 16 rats were administered cisplatin at a dosage of 2.5 mg/kg/day twice a week for 4 weeks (total dose 20 mg/kg). Then, they were randomly divided into two groups and treated with 1 ml/kg/day tap water or 8 mg/kg/day candesartan via oral gavage daily for 4 weeks. At the end of the treatment period, animals were sacrificed, and their kidneys were assessed histologically. In addition, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), creatinine, and GDF-15 levels were assessed.

RESULTS

Treatment with candesartan resulted in a significant rise in serum GDF-15 levels and a significant reduction in levels of serum MDA, TNF-α, IL-6, and creatinine compared to the cisplatin and saline group. Candesartan treatment effectively protected the kidney injury, and histopathological examinations of the kidneys confirmed these results.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that candesartan alleviates cisplatin-induced renal toxicity by further increasing GDF-15, downregulating inflammatory markers, and reducing oxidative stress.