Evaluating the Protective Potentials of Melatonin on Methamphetamine-induced Kidney Function Deficits through the Oxidative Stress Pathway in Male Rats

Methamphetamine abuse is recognized as a significant global health problem. In this study, the protective effects of melatonin on methamphetamine-induced nephrotoxicity were investigated in adult male Wistar rats. 32 adult male rats were divided into four groups of 8 rats per group as follows; group I was administered 0.5 ml/kg of Phosphate buffered saline (PBS), group II was given 20 g/kg of Methamphetamine (METH); group III was administered 10 mg/kg of melatonin (MLT); and group IV took 20 mg/kg of methamphetamine followed by 10 mg/kg of melatonin. The treatment was administered over 21 days via an oral cannula. After the experiment, the animals were euthanized with 20 mg/kg of intramuscular ketamine, and then perfusion fixation was carried out for rats that were used for histological analysis. Cervical dislocation was used for rats that were used for biochemical assay for oxidative stress markers analysis, and blood serum was used for kidney function tests. The results showed that METH decreased SOD and GPx activities but increased MDA concentration. Also, there was an increased level of creatinine, urea, sodium, and potassium concentrations following METH exposure. Severe kidney damage was revealed by histological analysis. Melatonin enhanced SOD and GPx activities, decreased MDA concentration, and improved kidney function, and kidney cytoarchitecture was restored. Conclusion: Melatonin showed an antioxidant effect against methamphetamine-induced nephrotoxicity and improved kidney functions in rats.

Key Words: Methamphetamine, Nephrotoxicity, Melatonin, Creatinine, Urea