Histopathological and physiological effects of leflunomide drug on kidneys in albino male mice

Abstract EN

The effect of subscute exposure of leflunomide drug on kidney tissue, serum level of Urea and creatinene by treatment with different doses of leflunomide was studied.

Thirty adult male albino mice were divided into three groups : The first group was treated orally with normal saline and considered as a control group.

The second group was treated orally with leflumomide (20 mg / kg b.w) and the third group was treated orally with leflumomide (100 mg / kg b.w).

Two physiological parameters were performed including creatinine and urea levels.

The results showed significante (P < 0.05) increase in serum level of blood urea in the second group in compresion to control group and there was significante (P < 0.05) increase in serum level of blood urea in the third group in comparesion to control group.

Also there was asignificant (P < 0.05) increase in blood urea of the third group compare to the second group.

There was no significant (P < 0.05) increase in the level of creatinine in the second group comparing with the control group, while the result revealed significant (P < 0.05) increase in level of creatinine in the third group compared with the control group.

Histopathological examination of kidneys for the second group showed mononuclear cells aggregation between renal tubules and enlargement of renal tubules.

Moreover, the histopathological examination to the third group revealed acute cellular degeneration characterized by vacuolar degeneration of the epithelial lining cells of renal tubules with atrophy of glomerulas.

Also neutrophils in dilated congested blood vessels between renal tubules are seen.

The results of this study revealed that the treatment with leflunomide produced a significant increase in urea and creatinine level.

Also there are histopathological effects on kidney tissues in treated mice.