Evaluation the reno-protective effect of tadalafil alone and in combination with ascorbic acid in AKI model in rats

Abstract Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with increased morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, and mortality, particularly in high-risk patients. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the potential reno-protective effects of Tadalafil, a selective phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor, alone and in combination with ascorbic acid, in a cisplatin-induced AKI rat model. Methods Thirty male albino rats (250–300 g) were randomly divided into five groups: control (A), cisplatin-treated (B), ascorbic acid-treated (100 mg/kg) (C), Tadalafil-treated (5 mg/kg) (D), and combined ascorbic acid + Tadalafil (E). Treatments were administered for 10 days prior to a single intraperitoneal dose of cisplatin (10 mg/kg). After 72 h, blood and kidney tissue samples were collected for biochemical and histopathological analyses. Serum urea and creatinine, as well as renal tissue levels of NGAL, SOD, and TNF-α, were evaluated. Results Cisplatin significantly increased urea, creatinine, TNF-α, and NGAL levels, while reducing SOD compared to control. Pre-treatment with Tadalafil, alone or in combination with ascorbic acid, significantly ameliorated these alterations. Conclusions Tadalafil in combination with ascorbic acid shows enhanced protective effects, suggesting greater protective effect role. Further studies are required to confirm its clinical applicability.