Abstract: Objective: To reveal the protective effect and possible mechanism of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) against cisplatin (CDDP)-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Methods: A total of 50 rats were randomly divided into blank control group, CDDP model group, and high-dose, medium-dose and low-dose LBP groups (orally administered at doses of 277, 554, 1008 g/(kg ·d) respectively once daily for 15 days). The blank control and CDDP model groups were both orally administered with distilled water during the adminstrtion period. After 10 days of administration, the blank control group was given normal saline by intraperitoneal injection while a single injection of CDDP in the remaining groups was carried out to establish a mouse model of renal injury. At the end of the administration period, all rats were sacrificed to determine serum BUN and Scr contents as well as NO and MDA contents and NOS and SOD activities in the kidney. Results: In the rats with CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity LBP pretreatment could significantly reduce the increase in serum BUN and Scr levels and kidney MDA and NO levels and NOS activity caused by CDDP (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01). Conclusions: Oral intake of LBP ameliorates CDDP-induced renal dysfunction. The mechanism may be related to the decreased NOS activity and NO and MDA contents.

Key words: cisplatin, Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP), nephrotoxicity, nitrogen monoxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), superoxide dismutase (SOD)