Rhabdomyolysis-Induced Acute Kidney Injury and Kidney Protection with Melatonin

Abstract

Abstract—Rhabdomyolysis is a clinical syndrome caused by damage to skeletal muscles. Its frequent severe complication is acute kidney injury. The nephroprotective potential of melatonin (5 mg/kg) in rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury has been studied in experiments on mature outbred laboratory white rats. A single administration of 8 mL/kg glycerol induces the oliguric form of acute renal failure, which is accompanied by a reduction in glomerular filtration rate, an increase in plasma creatinine level, hyperkalemia, aciduria, notable proteinuria, and impaired nephron reabsorption function. It has been found that melatonin administration exerts a cytoprotective effect on epithelial cells of renal tubules and considerably limits the extent of the damage, preventing the development of oliguria, retention azotemia, and excessive loss of sodium ions. It reduces proteinuria and increases urine pH. The protective effect is due to the antioxidant ability of melatonin, which prevents the development of oxidative stress in kidneys. These results substantiate the prospects of further studies of the nephroprotective potential of melatonin in kidney disorders of various origins.