Coenzyme Q10 and resveratrol protect against paclitaxel-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

The clinical use of paclitaxel (PCL) may cause nephrotoxicity. Antioxidants have shown potential benefits in some disease conditions. This study examined the protective abilities of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and resveratrol (RSV) against PCL-induced nephrotoxicity in albino rats. Adult male albino rats (n=45) were divided into 9 groups of n=5. The rats were supplemented orally with CoQ10 (20mg/kg), RSV (20mg/kg) and CoQ10+RSV (ip) daily for 5 days respectively before the administration a dose of PCL (20mg/kg) i.p on day 5. The rats were euthanized; blood samples were collected and assessed for serum biochemical markers. Kidneys were assessed for melondialdehyde, antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and catalase) and histology. Body and kidney weights were normal (p>0.05) in PCL administered rats when compared to control. Serum total protein, albumin, potassium, chloride, sodium, bicarbonate and kidney malondialdehyde levels were significantly (p <0.001) decreased whereas serum creatinine, urea, uric acid and kidney antioxidants levels were significantly (p <0.001) increased in PCL administered rats when compared to control. Hypercellular glomerulus with mesangial proliferation and tubular necrosis were observed in the kidneys of PCL administered rats. However, the aforementioned alterations were significantly reversed in CoQ10 (p <0.05), RSV (p <0.01) and CoQ10+RSV (p <0.001) supplemented rats when compared to PCL. CoQ10 and RSV may clinically protect against PCL-induced nephrotoxicity