Renal Effects of Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs in Albino Rats

Aims: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are cyclooxygenase enzyme inhibitors used widely and frequently as analgesics, antipyretics and anti-inflammatory agents. This study investigated the comparative effects of aspirin (ASA), ibuprofen (IBF) and diclofenac sodium (DCF) on kidney function in albino rats, using biochemical parameters as indices.
Study Design: Different groups of animals were to be treated with the test drugs and vehicle. Thereafter, the serum levels of biochemical markers of kidney function obtained in the experimental animals will be compared with those of the control animals.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, between June 2012 and November 2012.
Methodology: Animals were divided into 7 groups (n=5) and administered daily with ASA (50, 100mg/kg), IBF (20, 40mg/kg), DCF (2, 4mg/kg) and vehicle by oral gavage for 28 days. Blood samples were collected and the serum levels of urea, creatinine, aspartate transaminase (AST) and total protein were measured using standard methods.
Results: The results showed that ASA, IBU and DCF caused significant (P < 0.05) and dose-dependent increases in serum levels of urea (39.79, 47.58 and 73.89%, respectively), creatinine (104.29, 128.00 and 133.57%, respectively) and AST (63.74, 24.18 and 32.97%, respectively) without significant (P > 0.05) effect on total protein, compared to the control.
Conclusion: The results obtained indicate that long administration of the NSAIDs will cause adverse renal effects in a rank order of DCF > IBU > ASA, which may be partly due to their inhibitory effects on prostaglandins.