The Effect of Remdesivir on Renal Klotho Expression, Histopathology, and Renal Function-Related Biochemical Factors in Male rats

Abstract

Remdesivir is an antiviral drug that its clinical use for patients with covid-19 due to its side effects, including renal complications and nephrotoxicity, is still debated in various communities. Remdesivir is a nucleoside analogue which its function disrupts the continued construction of the RNA chain in the structure of SARAS-COV-2. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four (24) Wistar rats were divided into four groups (six per each) based on Rem and/or Hep administering (Control, Rem, Rem + Hep, and Hep). The administration period was 10 days. At the end of the course, biochemical factors were measured from serum samples and molecular and histopathological studies were performed on renal tissues. Renal Klotho expression was evaluated by real-time PCR. Results: Renal expression of Kl in Rem and Rem + Hep groups were significantly (p<0.05) lower than in control group. Also, the results showed that the administration of remdesivir and heparin in Rem and Rem + Hep groups lead to an increase in the serum levels of urea and creatinine as indicators of kidney function. The increase in the index of Tubulointerstitial damage was also clearly observed in these intervention groups.