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Nephrotoxic effects of varenicline as the most effective drug used for smoking cessation: a preliminary experimental study

  • Nephrology - Original Paper
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Abstract

Purpose

Varenicline is a new most effective drug for smoking cessation. Its effect on kidney functions remains unclear. This study purposed to investigate whether varenicline causes nephrotoxicity in rats.

Methods

Fifteen rats were randomly assigned to three groups: control, 0.0125 mg kg−1 varenicline and 0.025 mg kg−1 varenicline (single dose for 3 days, i.p.). Before and after experimental period, serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, creatinine and urea levels were measured. Total oxidant and antioxidant status were measured in kidney homogenates. Histological examination was performed in kidney.

Results

The nephrotoxic effects of varenicline were detected by histopathological and biochemical examinations in the varenicline treatment groups. No change was observed in the control group.

Conclusions

These findings firstly indicate that a 3-day varenicline treatment causes nephrotoxic effects in rats.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Balikesir University, ÇağişYerleşkesi, 10145, Balikesir, Turkey

    Akif Koç & Erhan Sari

  2. Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Balikesir University, Balikesir, Turkey

    Haydar Ali Erken

  3. Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dumlupinar University, Kütahya, Turkey

    Fatma Emel Koçak

  4. Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey

    Arzu Yay & Gözde Özge Önder

  5. Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahievran University, Kirşehir, Turkey

    Aydin Güçlü

  6. Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dumlupinar University, Kütahya, Turkey

    Hasan Şimşek & Osman Genç

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  1. Akif Koç
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  2. Haydar Ali Erken
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Correspondence to Akif Koç.

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Koç, A., Erken, H.A., Koçak, F.E. et al. Nephrotoxic effects of varenicline as the most effective drug used for smoking cessation: a preliminary experimental study. Int Urol Nephrol 47, 823–829 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11255-015-0949-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11255-015-0949-5

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