Effect of Long-term Nitrate Administration on Kidney Function in Female Rats

Despite the higher prevalence of kidney dysfunction in females, the effects of nitrate have mainly been studied in males. This study aimed to determine the effects of long-term sodium nitrate administration on kidney function in normal adult female rats by assessing estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR), serum urea, and serum creatinine.

Female Wistar rats were divided into two groups (n = 10 per group). The control group received tap water, and the nitrate group received tap water containing 100 mg/L sodium nitrate for nine months. Bodyweight, serum urea, and serum creatinine were measured at the beginning and end of the study, and eGFR was calculated. The nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) levels were also measured at the end of the study in serum and kidney tissue.

The body weight, serum urea, and creatinine levels of rats in the control group were significantly higher, and eGFR was significantly lower at the end of the study compared to the beginning of the study. Nitrate administration for nine months prevented increases in body weight, serum urea, and creatinine and decreases in eGFR. Nitrate-treated female rats also had higher NOx levels in serum and kidney tissue.

Nitrate administration improved kidney function in female normal adult rats. These beneficial effects may be associated with increased serum and kidney levels of NOx.