Gender Differences Influence Renal Injury in Cisplatin-Treated Rats: Biochemical Evaluation

Abstract

In a recent issue of Biological Trace Element Research,weread with great interest the article by Erman et al. “Effect ofLycopene Against Cisplatin-Induced Acute Renal Injury inRats:OrganicAnionandCationTransportersEvaluation”[1].Authorsaimed toinvestigate the possibleprotectiveeffects oflycopene on the cisplatin-induced acute renal injury and geneexpression levels of some receptors in kidney. They havereport that lycopene may protect the kidneys against injuryfrom cisplatin nephrotoxicity. This article is instructive interms of showing the effect of lycopene on cisplatin-inducednephrotoxicity. However, we would like to make some com-ments with respect to the study design.Cisplatin is an antineoplastic agent which is commonly usedtotreatsometumors,but itsusagehasbeenrestrictedbecauseofnephrotoxicity.Forthisreason,studiesareongoingtofindaprotective agent against this adverse effect of cisplatin. Animportant issue that should be considered in these studies isanimal’s gender which has significant effects on cisplatinnephrotoxicity. Previous studies report that one of the agentswhichthoughttoincreasethenephrotoxiceffectofcisplatinisestrogen [2]. Nevertheless, experimental animals’ gender hasnot been stated in their paper [1]. On the other hand, it isreported that lycopene has antiestrogenic activity in vitro [3].In this instance, the effectiveness of lycopene application willbedifferentinbothfemaleandmalerats.Ifthereisanygenderdifferences in study groups, the results should be reinterpret.In order to eliminate confusion on this issue, the gender ofexperimental animals should be stated in the article.In conclusion, the explanation of these concerns will cer-tainly provide the clearer information for the readers.Allotherauthorshavereadthemanuscriptandhaveagreedtosubmititinitscurrentformforconsiderationforpublicationin the Journal.References