Effects of candesartan and losartan on thioacetamide induced low grade renal dysfunction in rats

Abstract

Background and Objective: Equivocal evidence exists concerning the role of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in renal injury, whether they are reno-protective or reno-toxic. Effect of low and high dose of losartan and candesartan (ARBs) was evaluated on murine model of low grade renal dysfunction. Materials and Methods: Low grade renal dysfunction was induced by thioacetamide 50 mg kgG1 intraperitoneally once daily for two weeks. Rats were treated once daily by gastric gavage for 14 days as follows: Positive control (vehicle), two losartan (5 and 10 mg kgG1) and two candesartan groups (0.1 and 0.3 mg kgG1) and normal control group. At end of treatment, blood urea and creatinine were measured in addition to the histopathological examination of renal tissues. Results: Only losartan 10 mg kgG1 revealed significant decrease in blood urea and creatinine compared to the positive control group. Thioacetamide caused a decrease in glomerular cellularity, widening of capsular space and dilatation of tubular lumina with desquamation of epithelium. Only losartan 10 mg kgG1 reversed these changes. Conclusion: A high dose of losartan protects against low grade renal dysfunction in rats. Larger studies are recommended to further elucidate the underlying mechanisms.