Gender Difference in Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in a Rat Model: Greater Intensity of Damage in Male Than Female

BACKGROUND: Nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity are side effects of Cisplatin (CP) therapy. OBJECTIVES: We investigated the role of gender in CP-induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Low dose of CP (1 mg/kg/day; ip) was administered daily to male and female Wistar rats for 15 consecutive days. Serum creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) metabolite, and magnesium (Mg) levels were determined. RESULTS: The percentage of weight loss and the serum levels of MDA and nitrite in male and female animals were not statistically different. However, the serum levels of BUN, Cr, Mg, and kidney MDA levels, and kidney weight and damage score were significantly greater in males than in females (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CP-induced nephrotoxicity is gender related for which the mechanisms should be determined.