Omeprazole Prevents Colistin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats: Emphasis on Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Apoptosis and Colistin Accumulation in Kidneys

The clinical value of colistin, a polymyxin antibiotic, is limited by its nephrotoxicity. Omeprazole is a commonly prescribed proton pump inhibitor. The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of the concomitant administration of omeprazole on colistin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Omeprazole significantly ameliorated colistin nephrotoxicity as evidenced by prevention in the rise in the serum level of creatinine, urea and cystactin C as well as urinary N-acetylglucosamine activity. This was confirmed by histological studies that indicated a decreased incidence of interstitial nephritis, degenerative cortical changes and collagen deposition. This was accompanied by the prevention of oxidative stress as omeprazole significantly inhibited the lipid peroxidation, glutathione depletion and enzymatic exhaustion of superoxide dismutase as well as catalase. Additionally, omeprazole inhibited the expression of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α. Further, omeprazole inhibited the colistin-induced rise in Bax and the down-regulation of Bcl2 mRNA expression. An assessment of the serum levels of colistin revealed that omeprazole had no significant impact. However, it was observed that omeprazole significantly inhibited the accumulation of colistin in kidney tissues. In conclusion, omeprazole protects against colistin-induced nephrotoxicity. This can be attributed to, at least partly, omeprazole’s anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities in addition to its ability to prevent the toxic accumulation of colistin in kidneys.