Renoprotective effect of diacerein in rats with partial unilateral ureteral obstruction model

Objectives We aimed to analyze the effects of diacerein in a rat model of partial unilateral ureteral obstruction (PUUO). Methods We randomly divided 24 female rats into three groups. Control group, PUUO group and PUUO + diacerein group. The PUUO group was subjected to the PUUO model for seven days. The PUUO + diacerein group received oral diacerein (80 mg/kg) for seven days. Spectrophotometric methods were employed to measure oxidative stress parameters, including malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC) and antioxidant enzyme levels, including glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), while indicators of renal function, such as kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and neutrophil gelatinous-associated lipocalin (NGAL), along with inflammatory parameters interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), were assessed using the ELISA method. Inflammatory parameters were measured in blood samples, and other parameters were analyzed in kidney tissue. Hematoxylin-eosin method examinations were used for histological analyses. Results IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 levels were found to be significantly decreased in the PUUO + diacerein group compared to the PUUO group (p=0.006, p=0.002 and p=0.001, respectively). In the PUUO + diacerein group, GSH-Px and SOD activities increased compared with the PUUO group (p=0.031 and p=0.037, respectively). We also observed a significant improvement in renal function parameters, such as KIM-1 and NGAL levels in the PUUO + diacerein group compared to PUUO (p=0.002 and p=0.012, respectively). The PC and MDA levels were highest in the PUUO group (p<0.001). Similarly, the histopathologic tissue damage was the most prominent PUUO group (p<0.001). Conclusions Our study found that diacerein is a highly effective pharmacologic agent in alleviating oxidative damage in PUUO model rats.