Kidney morphofunctional features after ascorbic acid administration in a model of acute radiation nephropathy

Relevance. The use of radiation therapy in the treatment of malignant neoplasms actualizes the study of ways to protect healthy tissues from radiation damage. Due to the small number of studies aimed at studying structural and functional changes of kidneys both at their direct irradiation with electrons and at radiotherapy of adjacent organs, it is necessary to carry out complex research. One of the promising directions of radiation nephropathy treatment is the use of antioxidant preparations, in particular ascorbic acid. Aim. Morphofunctional evaluation of the kidney after local electron irradiation and ascorbic acid administration. Materials and Methods. Wistar rats (n=90) were divided into groups: I — control (n=15); II — irradiation, 2 Gy dose (n=15); III — irradiation, 8 Gy dose (n=15); IV — irradiation, 2 Gy dose + ascorbic acid (intraperitoneal injection; dose 50 mg/kg) (n=15); V — irradiation, 8 Gy dose + ascorbic acid (intraperitoneal injection; dose 50 mg/kg) (n=15); VI — ascorbic acid (intraperitoneal injection; dose 50 mg/kg) (n=15). Kidney slides were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. In addition, blood biochemical examination was performed for creatinine, urea nitrogen, C-reactive protein, cystatin C to creatinine ratio was calculated, and kidney homogenate for malonic dialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) concentration levels. Results and Discussion. It was found that pre-radiation administration of ascorbic acid (intraperitoneal injection; dose 50 mg/kg) in the model of acute radiation nephropathy induced by local irradiation with electrons at doses of 2 Gy and 8 Gy contributed to a pronounced reduction of pathomorphologic and biochemical changes. Conclusion. Local irradiation with electrons at doses of 2 Gy and 8 Gy leads to the development of radiation nephropathy. At the same time, pre-irradiation administration of ascorbic acid reduces the strength of radiation-­induced kidney damage, as well as enhances the efficiency of antioxidant defense.