Changes in kidney function and oxidative stress biomarkers in offspring from dams treated with dexamethasone during lactation in Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: The effects of maternal exposure to glucocorticoids during gestation on various organs in the offspring have been reported in literature. There is paucity of information on the effects of maternal glucocorticoids treatment during lactation on organ functions in the offspring. The present study was designed to investigate the changes in kidney function and oxidative stress biomarkers in offspring of dams treated with dexamethasone during lactation in Wistar rats METHODS: Twenty pregnant rats (180-200g) were divided into 4 groups (n=5). Group I was administered 0.02ml/100g/day of normal saline (subcutaneously, s.c) at lactation days 1-21 (control). Groups 2,3, and 4 were administered 100 μ/kg/day dexamethasone (Dex) (s.c) at lactation days 1-7 (Dexl-7),1-14(Dexl-14), and 1-21(Dexl-21) respectively. Evaluation of serum creatinine, urea and markers of oxidative stress in the kidney and histopathology of the kidney were carried out at 12 weeks of postnatal life.

RESULTS: Serum creatinine and urea levels were. significantly (p<0.05) higher in the Dexl-7, DexI-14and Dexl-21 when compared with the control. Kidney MDA level was also significantly (p<O.05) increased in the Dexl-7, Dexl-14 and Dexl-2lgroups when compared with the control. Kidney SOD activities, catalase activities and protein in the treatment groups Dexl-7, Dexl-14 and Dexl-21 were all significantly (p<0.05) lower than the control. Histology of the kidney showed mild, moderate and severe tubular necrosis in the Dexl-7, Dexl-14 and Dexl-21 groups respectively.

CONCLUSION: Results suggest that maternal exposure to dexamethasone during lactation may lead to increase oxidative stress in the kidney and increase renal necrosis.