Protective Role of Aerobic Exercise Against Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats

Abstract

Background: Cisplatin (CP) is a chemotherapy drug and nephrotoxicity is considered as its major side effect. Aerobic exercise is well known as an approach to reduce the side effects of many drugs. Objectives: This study was designed to determine the protective role of aerobic exercise against CP-induced nephrotoxicity. Materials and Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups. Group I had aerobic exercise on a treadmill one hour per day and five days per week for eight weeks. Then, the exercise protocol was continued for another week, but during this week, the animals also received CP (2.5 mg/kg/day; ip). Group II underwent the same protocol as group I without exercise in the last week during the CP therapy. Groups III and IV were assigned as positive and negative control groups, and were treated with CP and saline without exercise, respectively. Finally, the animals were sacrificed for the biochemical measurement and tissue histopathology investigation. Results: CP alone without exercise increased serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), and malondialdehyde (MDA); and kidney nitrite level, while treadmill exercise in group I significantly ameliorated these parameters (P < 0.05). Kidney and serum levels of MDA and nitrite did not alter significantly. Also, the severity of kidney tissue damage decreased significantly in groups I and II (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Aerobic exercise may reduce CP-induced nephrotoxicity with a favorable effect on renal function by increasing activation of antioxidant system.

Nonpreventive role of aerobic exercise against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in female rats

“…Previously, we reported the beneficial effect of aerobic exercise against CP-induced nephrotoxicity in male rats. [ 22 ] In the current study, female rats were subjected to treadmill exercise and CP therapy simultaneously to find the role of exercise in females. Our results were in agreement with previous studies in CP alone treated groups.…”

“…This finding is in contrast to the findings of our previous study on male rats. [ 22 ] Moderate regular exercise before or simultaneously with CP therapy has a protective effect against CP-induced nephrotoxicity in the male rats. [ 22 ] In our study, exercise increased the serum MDA level in groups I and II.…”

“…The animals were categorized into four groups as described previously. [ 22 ] Groups I (called EX + CP + EX) ( n = 7) and II (called EX + CP) ( n = 8) were subjected to aerobic exercise on a treadmill 1 h/day and 5 days/week for 8 weeks. Then, exercise was continued in group 1 in the 9 th week.…”

“…[ 19 ] Our previous study indicated that aerobic exercise reduce CP-induced nephrotoxicity with a favorable effect on renal function by reducing lipid peroxidation. [ 22 ] Exercise has been also shown to have a protective effect against CP-induced cell death in the kidney,[ 23 ] and it is suggested that physical exercise before and during chemotherapy could attenuate the side-effects of medications and improve the quality of life for patients. [ 23 ] As mentioned before, gender plays a role in CP-induced nephrotoxicity, and previously we reported that aerobic exercise could attenuate the CP-induced kidney damage in male rats.…”

“…[ 23 ] As mentioned before, gender plays a role in CP-induced nephrotoxicity, and previously we reported that aerobic exercise could attenuate the CP-induced kidney damage in male rats. [ 22 ] However, the effect has not been reported in females. Furthermore, inhibition of tumor cell proliferation by CP chemotherapy is different in male and female patients.…”