Sulfasalazine-induced renal and hepatic injury in rats and the protective role of taurine

Abstract

Introduction: Sulfasalazine is adrug commonly administratedagainst inflammatory-baseddisorders. On the other hand,kidney and liver injury are seriousadverse events accompanied bysulfasalazine administration. Nospecific therapeutic option is available against this complication. The current investigation wasdesigned to evaluate the potential protective effects of taurine against sulfasalazine-inducedkidney and liver injury in rats.Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered with sulfasalazine (600 mg/kg, oral)for 14 consecutive days. Animals received different doses of taurine (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg, i.p.) every day. Markers of organ injury were evaluated on day 15th, 24 h after the last dose ofsulfasalazine.Results: Sulfasalazine caused renal and hepatic injury as judged by an increase in serum levelof creatinine (Cr), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactatedehydrogenase (LDH), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS) and lipid peroxidation were raised in kidney and liver of sulfasalazine-treated animals.Moreover, tissue glutathione reservoirs were depleted after sulfasalazine administration.Histopathological changes of kidney and liver also endorsed organ injury. Taurine administration(250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day, i.p) alleviated sulfasalazine-induced renal and hepatic damage.Conclusion: Taurine administration could serve as a potential protective agent with therapeuticcapabilities against sulfasalazine adverse effects.