Evaluation of nephroprotective effect of vortioxetine in gentamicin-induced renotoxicity in wistar rats

Gentamicin, an aminoglycoside, is a commonly given antibiotic in cases of severe infections caused by gram-negative bacteria. Though being a very effective drug against gram negative organisms, its potential to cause nephrotoxicity restricts its use. The current study shows the effect of vortioxetine in gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity. Twenty-four female wistar albino rats weighing 180-220g, 8-10-week old were selected for the study and randomly assigned to 4 groups. Group 1: normal control, received only distilled water; Group 2: gentamicin 80mg/kg b.w. for 8 days; Group 3: vortioxetine 10mg/kg b.w., pre-treatment for 5 days followed by gentamicin 80mg/kg b.w. for 8 days; Group 4: vortioxetine 20mg/kg b.w., pre-treatment for 5 days followed by gentamicin 80mg/kg b.w. for 8 days. At the end of the experiment, serum urea, serum creatinine, tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and tissue glutathione (GSH) were estimated and histological examination of kidneys was performed. One-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey’s tests were performed. Serum urea and serum creatinine and tissue MDA increased markedly in the gentamicin group with a p-value < 0.001, and tissue GSH reduced significantly (p < 0.001). Treatment with vortioxetine had ameliorated gentamicin induced kidney damage. This was corroborated by reduced serum urea, serum creatinine, and MDA levels (p< 0.001), and elevated GSH levels (p< 0.001). In conclusion, vortioxetine has protective effective on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.