Possible Anti-fibrotic and Anti-oxidant Effects of Sertraline (SSRI) on Adriamycin-Induced Nephropathy in Male Albino Rats

Abstract

Depression represents the most common psychiatric disorder that occurs in patients with CKD. A variety of biologic, psychological, and social stressors may trigger depression at any point during the life-long illness of CKD. The diagnosis of depression may be challenging in this population due to difficulties to distinguish between the symptoms of uremia and somatic symptoms of depression. Moreover, depression is considered to be undertreated in patients with CKD due to the paucity of data suggesting the efficacy and safety of the use of antidepressants in such patients.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) comprise the dominant class of antidepressant medication at present, largely because of their relatively more favorable side effects profile compared to the older antidepressants. Sertraline is a well-known SSRI that undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism with only 0.2% of an oral dose being excreted unchanged in the urine. Sertraline doesn’t require dose adjustment when used in patients with CKD or ESRD.

Aim of the study: Evaluation of the possible anti-fibrotic and anti-oxidant effects of sertraline on Adriamycin-induced nephropathy in male albino rats. Study design: 32 male albino Wistar rats were divided randomly into 2 groups: Group I: (n=8) Control group. Group II: (n=24) Adriamycin group. Rats were injected by 16 equal cumula¬tive doses of Adriamycin (ADR) (1.25 mg/kg i.p.) every alternative day.