Protective effect of metformin on lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus: An experimental study in rats

Background Lithium is widely used in the treatment of bipolar disorders and may lead to nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI), following long-term treatment. Metformin considered preferred initial therapy for patients with type 2 mellitus (T2D). Objectives To investigate protective effect metformin on kidney damage caused by lithium administration. Material methods Using an animal model chronic lithium-induced NDI, rats were divided into 4 groups: sham, metformin, lithium, + metformin. The effects these treatments examined using serum electrolytes, blood tissue total antioxidant status, oxidant oxidative stress index, urine osmolality, aquaporin-2 (AQP2) levels. Additionally, histopathological changes, including congestion, hydropic swelling, tubular necrosis, atrophy, Bowman's capsule dilatation, evaluated. score was obtained summing scores each pathological finding. Results In group, biochemical variables indicating sodium, chloride increased, osmolality decreased, compared sham group. With treatment, decreased from 328.17 mOsm/kg 306.33 mOsm/kg, increased 349.67 754.50 (p = 0.004 p 0.001, respectively). Tissue AQP2 levels administration but stabilized comparison group declined 8.0 2.0 0.002). Conclusions help protect kidneys NDI through regulating a reduction stress.