Evaluation of Histopathological Effects of Acamprosate Use on Kidneys in Alcohol-Dependent Rats

Objective: Alcohol addiction is one of the growing global addiction threads. The present study aims to investigate histopathological effects of acamprosate, which is widely used in the treatment of alcohol dependence, on kidneys. Methods: Rats were divided into 4 groups. The control group was given 10 mg/kg/day saline, and the alcohol group was given 10 mg/kg/day ethanol, diluted with 10 mg/kg/day saline. To the acamprosate group, 200 mg/kg/day acamprosate diluted with 10 mg/kg/day saline was given. The alcohol + acamprosate group was given 10 mg/kg/day ethanol diluted with 10 mg/kg/day saline, then combined with 200 mg/kg/day acamprosate. On the 21st day, after the study began, signs of alcohol withdrawal syndrome in the rats were evaluated. On the 22nd day, kidney tissues of the rats were extracted. Results: Histopathological evaluation revealed that kidney tissues of the control group had normal structure. It was determined that Bowman's spaces were close to normal in kidneys of the alcohol group. In kidneys of the acamprosate group, an increased Bowman's space distance and intense tubular degeneration, shedding in tubule epithelial cells, and tubular dilatation were detected (P <.05). In kidneys of the alcohol + acamprosate group, Bowman's space distance was better than the acamprosate group, but tubular degeneration, shedding in tubule epithelial cells, and tubular dilatation continued (P <.05). Our findings revealed that the use of acamprosate alone produced serious histopathological consequences for kidneys. Conclusion: It has been understood that it is important to control kidney health at certain intervals during the period of alcohol-dependent individuals without any kidney disease receiving acamprosate treatment.