In this study, the protective efficacy of pentoxifylline (PTX) as a xanthine
derivative against arsenic trioxide (ATO)-induced kidney and liver damage in
mice was investigated. Thirty-six mice were divided into six groups, receiving
intraperitoneal injections of saline, ATO, PTX, or a combination for four weeks.
Blood samples were analyzed for serum biochemistry, while hepatic tissue
underwent examination for histopathological changes and assessment of oxidative
stress markers and antioxidant gene expression through Real-Time PCR. ATO
exposure significantly increased serum markers (creatinine, ALT, BUN, ALP, AST)
and induced histopathological changes in the liver. Moreover, it elevated renal
and hepatic nitric oxide (NO) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels, and reduced
antioxidant enzyme expression (CAT, GSR, GPx, MPO, SOD), total thiol groups
(TTGs), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Conversely, PTX treatment
effectively lowered serum hepatic and renal markers, improved antioxidant
markers, and induced histopathological alterations. Notably, PTX did not
significantly affect renal and hepatic NO levels. These findings suggest that
PTX offers therapeutic potential in mitigating liver and acute kidney injuries
induced by various insults, including exposure to ATO.