Vitamin C Ameliorates Gentamicin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Equines: An Experimental Study

To date, there is no specific treatment used to protect against gentamicin (Genta)-induced nephrotoxicity. The main objective of the present study was to determine the potential protective effect of vitamin C against Genta-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) in equines using donkey as a model. Nine apparently healthy adult male donkeys (Equus asinus) were included in this study. All animals were clinically sound. Three donkeys were randomly selected to receive saline solution and served as controls. The other six donkeys (treated groups) were randomly assigned to receive either vitamin C at a dosage of 30 mg/kg (GVC-group; n = 3) or saline solution (G-group; n = 3) via IV route once daily for 14 days. Animals of treated groups have concomitantly received Genta at a dosage of 20 mg/kg IV thrice daily for 14 consecutive days. Blood and urine samples were simultaneously collected at day 14 of Genta administration. Blood samples were used for measuring selected acute-phase proteins, cytokines profile, and oxidative stress mediators; whereas, urine samples were used for measuring different urinary analytes. Acute kidney injury was confirmed by classic laboratory findings. Our results showed that the serum amyloid A, haptoglobin, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, interferon gamma, IL-10, sialic acid, malondialdehyde, blood urea, serum creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, and serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase were significantly lower in GVC-group than those in G-group (P < .05). In contrast, total antioxidant capacity was much lower in G-group than that of GVC-group; however, they did not reach statistical significance. The results presented herein suggest that vitamin C could have a protective effect against Genta-induced AKI in equines. The ongoing trials orchestrated with improved diagnostic utilities can improve the outcomes of AKI in equines through prophylactic or early use of antioxidant therapy.