Protective effect of selenomethionine against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in C57BL/6J mice bearing B16F1 melanoma without reducing antitumour activity

The effect of selenomethionine on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and antitumour activity was studied in C57BL/6J mice bearing B16F1 melanoma. Intraperitoneal administration of 6 mg kg -1 cisplatin resulted in a significant reduction in body weight, elevation of blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels on day 5. Selenomethionine, an antioxidant, protected tumour-bearing mice from cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity, when given intraperitoneally 1 h before cisplatin. At a dose of 4 mg kg -1, selenomethionine gave 54%, 69% and 65% protection against reduction in body weight and elevation of blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels, respectively. Significant protection was also observed at 1 mg kg -1. Administration of cisplatin alone to tumour-bearing mice resulted in significant antitumour activity as measured by tumour appearance, volume and weight. Pretreatment with selenomethionine (1 and 4 mg kg -1,) did not reduce the antitumour activity of cisplatin. These results suggest that selenomethionine protects against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity without interfering with antitumour activity.