Protective effects of Adenosine on Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in rat

Introduction: Gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic widely used for treating gram-negative bacterial infections, is limited in clinical practice due to its nephrotoxic effects. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that adenosine attenuates gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity by mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation.
Materials and Methods: Thirty-five male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into five groups (n = 7 each): control, gentamicin, adenosine, gentamicin plus adenosine (concurrent treatment), and adenosine post-treatment. Systolic blood pressure, renal blood flow (RBF), and serum levels of urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, and osmolality were measured. In addition, renal tissue was analyzed for malondialdehyde (MDA) content and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP).
Results: Concurrent adenosine administration significantly prevented the gentamicin-induced increase in sodium excretion and renal MDA levels, while restoring reduced RBF and FRAP values (p < 0.05). In the post-treatment group, adenosine significantly attenuated the gentamicin-induced increases in urinary sodium, potassium, and MDA level, while promoting a higher urinary urea output compared with the gentamicin group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Adenosine attenuates gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity, likely through vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant mechanisms.