Sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS) ameliorates alterations caused by cisplatin in filtration slit diaphragm and podocyte cytoskeletal in rat kidney

Effects of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) on cisplatin-induced hepatic and cardiac toxicity

In recent years, the cardiotoxicity and hepatotoxicity induced by chemotherapeutic drugs such as cisplatin (CP) have become significant issues. The current research looks into the effects of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) on CP-induced hepatotoxicity and cardiotoxicity in rats. A total of 32 male Sprague Dawley rats were separated into four different groups: (1) control group, received only normal saline; (2) NaHS group, was intraperitoneally injected with NaHS (200 µg/kg/d, dissolved in saline) for 15 days; (3) CP group, was intraperitoneally injected only one dose of CP (5 mg/kg) and (4) CP plus NaHS group, received CP along with NaHS. Blood and tissues samples were harvested for biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical investigations. To determine the data's statistical significance, a one-way analysis of variance was used. CP injection significantly increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Creatine phospho kinase (CK-MB), cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride (TG), and lipid peroxidation levels, while high-density lipoprotein (HDL), albumin, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase (CAT) levels were significantly reduced with pathological alterations in liver and heart tissues. Co-treatment NaHS with CP ameliorates the biochemical and histological parameters. Also, Treatment solely with CP resulted in increased tissue expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in liver and heart but co-treatment NaHS with CP reduced the expression of this inflammatory factor. We conclude that NaHS operates in the liver and heart as an anti-inflammatory and powerful free radicals' scavenger to inhibit the toxic effects of CP, both at the biochemical and histopathological levels.

Cytoprotective remedies for ameliorating nephrotoxicity induced by renal oxidative stress

AIMS

Nephrotoxicity is the hallmark of anti-neoplastic drug metabolism that causes oxidative stress. External chemical agents and prescription drugs release copious amounts of free radicals originating from molecular oxidation and unless sustainably scavenged, they stimulate membrane lipid peroxidation and disruption of the host antioxidant mechanisms. This review aims to provide a comprehensive collection of potential cytoprotective remedies in surmounting the most difficult aspect of cancer therapy as well as preventing renal oxidative stress by other means.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Over 400 published research and review articles spanning several decades were scrutinised to obtain the relevant data which is presented in 3 categories; sources, mechanisms, and mitigation of renal oxidative stress.

KEY-FINDINGS

Drug and chemical-induced nephrotoxicity commonly manifests as chronic or acute kidney disease, nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis. Renal replacement therapy requirements and mortalities from end-stage renal disease are set to rapidly increase in the next decade for which 43 different cytoprotective compounds which have the capability to suppress experimental nephrotoxicity are described.

SIGNIFICANCE

The renal system performs essential homeostatic functions that play a significant role in eliminating toxicants, and its accumulation and recurrence in nephric tissues results in tubular degeneration and subsequent renal impairment. Global statistics of the latest chronic kidney disease prevalence is 13.4 % while the end-stage kidney disease requiring renal replacement therapy is 4-7 million per annum. The remedial compounds discussed herein had proven efficacy against nephrotoxicity manifested consequent to impaired antioxidant mechanisms in preclinical models produced by renal oxidative stress activators.

Histological, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical studies on the ameliorative role of Cinnamon zeylanicum against high cholesterol diet-induced hypercholesterolemia in the kidney of adult male albino rats

Cholesterol is an important type of lipid as it is involved in the structure of cell membrane, synthesis of steroid hormones, bile acid and vitamin D. Many diseases affect various mammalian organs, including the kidney, as a result of high cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia). Cinnamon zeylanicum (C. zeylanicum) proves its efficiency as it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant prosperities. This study aimed to investigate the possible ameliorative role of C. zeylanicum on hypercholesterolemia-induced the renal toxicity in albino rats. Forty adult male albino rats were equally divided into four groups. The first group served as the control one. The second group was supplemented with C. zeylanicum powder (15% w/w) with the standard diet. The third group was fed high cholesterol diet (HCD) to induce acute hypercholesterolemia. The fourth group was fed HCD provided with C. zeylanicum powder (15% w/w). At the end of the experiment (8^th weeks), kidneys were removed and prepared for histological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructure studies. Rats-fed HCD showed degenerated glomeruli and tubular cells with vacuolated or coagulated cytoplasm and pyknotic nuclei. Moreover, the renal cortex ultrastructural examination showed degenerated podocytes, parietal and mesangial cells, as well as the proximal and distal tubular cells appeared with rarified cytoplasm, degenerated mitochondria, large fat vacuoles and complete damaged microvilli. The same group showed a significant increase in the expression of desmin and inducible nitric oxide synthase. On the other hand, animals fed HCD provided with C. zeylanicum showed an obvious improvement in the observed histological, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical changes. The architecture of the renal cortex appeared mostly similar to the control one. This study concluded that C. zeylanicum has a promising role in treating the nephron-toxicity of HCD due to its natural constituent that is responsible for its pharmaceutical effects.

Urinary Thioredoxin as a Biomarker of Renal Redox Dysregulation and a Companion Diagnostic to Identify Responders to Redox-Modulating Therapeutics

Significance: The development and progression of renal diseases, including acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), are the result of heterogeneous pathophysiology that reflects a range of environmental factors and, in a lesser extent, genetic mutations. The pathophysiology specific to most kidney diseases is not currently identified; therefore, these diseases are diagnosed based on non-pathological factors. For that reason, pathophysiology-based companion diagnostics for selection of pathophysiology-targeted treatments have not been available, which impedes personalized medicine in kidney disease. Recent Advances: Pathophysiology-targeted therapeutic agents are now being developed for the treatment of redox dysregulation. Redox modulation therapeutics, including bardoxolone methyl, suppresses the onset and progression of AKI and CKD. On the other hand, pathophysiology-targeted diagnostics for renal redox dysregulation are also being developed. Urinary thioredoxin (TXN) is a biomarker that can be used to diagnose tubular redox dysregulation. AKI causes oxidation and urinary excretion of TXN, which depletes TXN from the tubules, resulting in tubular redox dysregulation. Urinary TXN is selectively elevated at the onset of AKI and correlates with the progression of CKD in diabetic nephropathy. Critical Issues: Diagnostic methods should provide information about molecular mechanisms that aid in the selection of appropriate therapies to improve the prognosis of kidney disease. Future Directions: A specific diagnostic method enabling detection of redox dysregulation based on pathological molecular mechanisms is much needed and could provide the first step toward personalized medicine in kidney disease. Urinary TXN is a candidate for a companion diagnostic method to identify responders to redox-modulating therapeutics. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 36, 1051-1065.

Exercise training ameliorates early diabetic kidney injury by regulating the H2 S/SIRT1/p53 pathway

Exercise training exerts protective effects against diabetic nephropathy. This study aimed to investigate whether exercise training could attenuate diabetic renal injury via regulating endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H₂ S) production. First, C57BL/6 mice were allocated into the control, diabetes, exercise, and diabetes + exercise groups. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Treadmill exercise continued for four weeks. Second, mice was allocated into the control, diabetes, H₂ S and diabetes + H₂ S groups. H₂ S donor sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) was intraperitoneally injected once daily for four weeks. STZ-induced diabetic mice exhibited glomerular hypertrophy, tissue fibrosis and increased urine albumin levels, urine protein- and albumin-to-creatinine ratios, which were relieved by exercise training. Diabetic renal injury was associated with apoptotic cell death, as evidenced by the enhanced caspase-3 activity, the increased TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling -positive cells and the reduced expression of anti-apoptotic proteins, all of which were attenuated by exercise training. Exercise training enhanced renal sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression in diabetic mice, accompanied by an inhibition of the p53-#ediated pro-apoptotic pathway. Furthermore, exercise training restored the STZ-mediated downregulation of cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) and the reduced renal H₂ S production. NaHS treatment restored SIRT1 expression, inhibited the p53-mediated pro-apoptotic pathway and attenuated diabetes-associated apoptosis and renal injury. In high glucose-treated MPC5 podocytes, NaHS treatment inhibited the p53-mediated pro-apoptotic pathway and podocyte apoptosis in a SIRT1-dependent manner. Collectively, exercise training upregulated CBS/CSE expression and enhanced the endogenous H₂ S production in renal tissues, thereby contributing to the modulation of the SIRT1/p53 apoptosis pathway and improvement of diabetic nephropathy.

Protective effect of hydrogen sulfide on the kidney (Review)

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a physiologically important gas transmitter that serves various biological functions in the body, in a manner similar to that of carbon monoxide and nitric oxide. Cystathionine-β-synthase, cystathionine-γ-lyase and cysteine transaminase/3-mercaptopyruvate sulphotransferase are important enzymes involved H₂S production in vivo, and the mitochondria are the primary sites of metabolism. It has been reported that H₂S serves an important physiological role in the kidney. Under disease conditions, such as ischemia-reperfusion injury, drug nephrotoxicity and diabetic nephropathy, H₂S serves an important role in both the occurrence and development of the disease. The present review aimed to summarize the production, metabolism and physiological functions of H₂S, and the progress in research with regards to its role in renal injury and renal fibrosis in recent years.

Roles of Hydrogen Sulfide Donors in Common Kidney Diseases

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) plays a key role in the regulation of physiological processes in mammals. The decline in H₂S level has been reported in numerous renal disorders. In animal models of renal disorders, treatment with H₂S donors could restore H₂S levels and improve renal functions. H₂S donors suppress renal dysfunction by regulating autophagy, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation through multiple signaling pathways, such as TRL4/NLRP3, AMP-activated protein kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin, transforming growth factor-β1/Smad3, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1/2, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and nuclear factor kappa B. In this review, we summarize recent developments in the effects of H₂S donors on the treatment of common renal diseases, including acute/chronic kidney disease, renal fibrosis, unilateral ureteral obstruction, glomerulosclerosis, diabetic nephropathy, hyperhomocysteinemia, drug-induced nephrotoxicity, metal-induced nephrotoxicity, and urolithiasis. Novel H₂S donors can be designed and applied in the treatment of common renal diseases.

Polysulfide and Hydrogen Sulfide Ameliorate Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity and Renal Inflammation through Persulfidating STAT3 and IKKβ

Cisplatin, a widely used chemotherapy for the treatment of various tumors, is clinically limited due to its extensive nephrotoxicity. Inflammatory response in tubular cells is a driving force for cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. The plant-derived agents are widely used to relieve cisplatin-induced renal dysfunction in preclinical studies. Polysulfide and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) are ubiquitously expressed in garlic, and both of them are documented as potential agents for preventing and treating inflammatory disorders. This study was designed to determine whether polysulfide and H₂S could attenuate cisplatin nephrotoxicity through suppression of inflammatory factors. In renal proximal tubular cells, we found that sodium tetrasulfide (Na₂S₄), a polysulfide donor, and sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) and GYY4137, two H₂S donors, ameliorated cisplatin-caused renal toxicity through suppression of the massive production of inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Mechanistically, the anti-inflammatory actions of Na₂S₄ and H₂S may be mediated by persulfidation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and inhibitor kappa B kinase β (IKKβ), followed by decreased phosphorylation of STAT3 and IKKβ. Moreover, the nuclear translocation of nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NF-κB), and phosphorylation and degradation of nuclear factor kappa B inhibitor protein alpha (IκBα) induced by cisplatin, were also mitigated by both polysulfide and H₂S. In mice, after treatment with polysulfide and H₂S donors, cisplatin-associated renal dysfunction was strikingly ameliorated, as evidenced by measurement of serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels, renal morphology, and the expression of renal inflammatory factors. Our present work suggests that polysulfide and H₂S could afford protection against cisplatin nephrotoxicity, possibly via persulfidating STAT3 and IKKβ and inhibiting NF-κB-mediated inflammatory cascade. Our results might shed light on the potential benefits of garlic-derived polysulfide and H₂S in chemotherapy-induced renal damage.

Antioxidant effect of p-coumaric acid on interleukin 1-β and tumor necrosis factor-α in rats with renal ischemic reperfusion

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Renal ischemia-reperfusion occurs in some clinical conditions such as kidney surgery that can leads to acute renal failure. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of p-coumaric acid (CA) on ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury.

METHODS

Thirty rats were randomly divided into five groups; control, CA (100mg/kg), I/R, propylene glycol (10%)+I/R and CA+I/R, (n=6 each). CA and propylene glycol were administered orally for 2 weeks. Then, the rats were subjected to bilateral renal ischemia for 45min and followed by reperfusion for 24h. All rats were killed and kidney function tests, tissue malondialdehyde and activity of antioxidant enzymes were determined. Histopathological evaluations were also performed. In addition, renal expression of the tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

CA significantly improved the Cr and BUN levels in CA+I/R group compared to I/R group (p<0.005 and p<0.001, respectively). Reduction of tissue superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase, were significantly improved by CA (p<0.01, p<0.01 and p<0.05). Treatment with CA also resulted in significant reduction in tissue MDA (p<0.05), TNF-α (p<0.001) and interleukin-1β expression (p<0.001) that were increased by renal I/R. Also, the rats treated with CA had nearly normal structure of the kidney.

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings suggest that, CA protects the kidneys against I/R injury via its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Assessment of the effect of sodium hydrogen sulfide (hydrogen sulfide donor) on cisplatin-induced testicular toxicity in rats

Cisplatin (CIS) is an antineoplastic drug able to produce free radicals that are capable to induce various side effects in different tissues. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has notable antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects in different systems but its role in male reproductive system is not fully understood. In the present research, the effect of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) on cisplatin-induced testicular toxicity in male rats was studied. Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were equally divided into 4 groups. The control group was treated with normal saline by intraperitoneal injection. The NaHS group received NaHS (200 μg/kg/day) intraperitoneally for 15 days. The CIS group received single dose of cisplatin (5 mg/kg) intraperitoneally, while the combination of CIS and NaHS was given to the CIS+ NaHS group. At the end of the study, body and testicular weights, plasma testosterone level, histological and morphometrical alterations, inflammation via IL-1β protein, lipid peroxidation, and activity of antioxidant enzymes (including glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) of testicular tissue were evaluated. CIS injection revealed a significant decrease (p < 0.01) in body and testis weights, plasma testosterone concentration, diameter of seminiferous tubules, germinal epithelium thickness, the number of Sertoli cells, spermatogonia and spermatocyte, Johnsen's testicular score, and testicular antioxidant enzymes, whereas it caused a significant increase (p < 0.01) in lumen diameter of the seminiferous tubules, level of lipid peroxidation, and IL-1β protein expression when compared with the control group. NaHS administration to CIS-treated rats provided marked improvement (p < 0.05) in all biochemical, histological, and morphometrical changes induced by CIS. The beneficial effects of NaHS were mediated, at least partly, by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Hydrogen sulfide renal protective effects: possible link between hydrogen sulfide and endogenous carbon monoxide in a rat model of renal injury

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), along with nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO), proved to have renoprotective effects in various renal diseases. Therefore, this study investigated the renoprotective effect of H2S, in a renal injury model, and its crosstalk with other gasotransmitters such as CO. Thirty-two adult rats were divided into four groups: control, gentamicin (GEN)-treated, GEN + sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), and GEN + NaHS + zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP) groups. GEN was used to induce renal injury, NaHS is a water-soluble H2S, and ZnPP is a selective heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) inhibitor used to inhibit CO synthesis in vivo. NaHS improved kidney functions in the GEN group as evidenced by significantly lower levels of renal injury markers: serum urea, creatinine, uric acid, urinary albumin excretion, and urinary albumin/creatinine. Moreover, NaHS administration to the GEN-treated group significantly lowered renal levels of NO and tumor necrosis factor-α with an increase in total antioxidant, HO-1, and interleukin-10 levels. Furthermore, NaHS administration downregulated the GEN-induced overexpression of the renal inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and upregulated the suppression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) with improvement in the histological examination and periodic acid Schiff (PAS) staining. However, this improvement in kidney function produced by NaHS was reduced by combination with ZnPP but still improved as compared with the GEN-treated group. The renoprotective effects of H2S can be through its effects on renal tissue antioxidants, pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and expression of eNOS and iNOS which can be partially dependent on CO pathway via induction of HO-1 enzyme.

P-Coumaric Acid Mitigates Doxorubicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity Through Suppression of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Apoptosis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

P-Coumaric acid (PCA) is one the compound that has free radical scavenging effects. This study investigates the protective effect of PCA on tissue damage in DOX-induced nephrotoxicity.

METHODS

Thirty two Wistar rats were divided into control, PCA, DOX (15 mg/kg, i.p.) and DOX plus PCA (100 mg/kg, orally) groups. DOX-induced nephrotoxicity was indicated by marked increase in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Cr) compared to controls. DOX group also showed elevations in lipid peroxidation and reductions in enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT). Expression of renal inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and apoptosis were also elevated in the DOX group.

RESULTS

PCA significantly reversed, nephrotoxicity induced by DOX via lowering BUN, serum Cr and improving histopathological scores as compared to the DOX group. PCA also decreased lipid peroxidation, increased activities of GPx, SOD and CAT, to levels relatively comparable to control. Significant reductions in expression of TNF-α, IL-1β and apoptosis were also observed following Co-administration of PCA relative to the DOX group.

CONCLUSIONS

Results describe a protective effect of PCA against DOX-induced nephrotoxicity. This effect is likely facilitated through inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis.

Antioxidant effect of p-coumaric acid on interleukin 1-β and tumor necrosis factor-α in rats with renal ischemic reperfusion

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Renal ischemia-reperfusion occurs in some clinical conditions such as kidney surgery that can leads to acute renal failure. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of p-coumaric acid (CA) on ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury.

METHODS

Thirty rats were randomly divided into five groups; control, CA (100mg/kg), I/R, propylene glycol (10%)+I/R and CA+I/R, (n=6 each). CA and propylene glycol were administered orally for 2 weeks. Then, the rats were subjected to bilateral renal ischemia for 45min and followed by reperfusion for 24h. All rats were killed and kidney function tests, tissue malondialdehyde and activity of antioxidant enzymes were determined. Histopathological evaluations were also performed. In addition, renal expression of the tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

CA significantly improved the Cr and BUN levels in CA+I/R group compared to I/R group (p<0.005 and p<0.001, respectively). Reduction of tissue superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase, were significantly improved by CA (p<0.01, p<0.01 and p<0.05). Treatment with CA also resulted in significant reduction in tissue MDA (p<0.05), TNF-α (p<0.001) and interleukin-1β expression (p<0.001) that were increased by renal I/R. Also, the rats treated with CA had nearly normal structure of the kidney.

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings suggest that, CA protects the kidneys against I/R injury via its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Luteolin confers renoprotection against ischemia-reperfusion injury via involving Nrf2 pathway and regulating miR320

This work aims to evaluate the renoprotective effect of luteolin on expression of Nrf2 and miR320 in ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. Thirty rats were randomly divided into five groups; control, Luteolin (50 mg/kg), ischemia-reperfusion (I/R), DMSO (0/1%) + I/R and Luteolin+I/R, (n = 6 each). Administration of luteolin and DMSO was carried out by gavage for 3 days before renal I/R. Then, the rats were subjected to bilateral renal ischemia for 45 min and followed by reperfusion for 2 h. All rats were killed and the renal function, histological changes, oxidative stress degree, in all of groups were evaluated. In addition, the effects of luteolin on renal expression of Nrf2 and miR320 were examined by immunohistochemistry and real time- PCR. Luteolin significantly improved the creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels in Luteolin + I/R group compared to I/R group (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001 respectively). Reduction of enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase in I/R and DMSO + I/R groups, was significantly improved by Luteolin (p < 0.05) in Luteolin + I/R group. Pre-treatment with luteolin also resulted in significant reduction in tissue MDA level (p < 0.001), Nrf2 (p < 0.001) and miR320 expression (P < 0.05) that were increased by renal I/R. Also, the rats pretreated with luteolin had nearly normal structure of the kidney. These results indicate that luteolin protects the kidney against I/R injury via reducing oxidative stress, increasing antioxidant enzymes and reducing expression of Nrf2 and miR320.

Protective Smell of Hydrogen Sulfide and Polysulfide in Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity

Though historically known as a toxic gas, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has displayed a new face as the third endogenous gaseous signaling molecule after nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). Here in this review, we survey the role and therapeutic potential of H₂S in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Specifically, reduction of H₂S by cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) downregulation upon cisplatin treatment may contribute to cisplatin-induced renal cell injury, possibly by augmentation of endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, while H₂S donation may prevent subsequent renal dysfunction by inhibiting NADPH oxidase activation. Intriguingly, H₂S slow-releasing compound GYY4137 seems to increase the anticancer activity of cisplatin, at least in several cancer cell lines, and this is probably due to its own anticancer effect. However, the efficacy of H₂S donors in tumor-bearing animals remains to be tested in terms of renal protection and cancer inhibition after receiving cisplatin. Furthermore, accumulative evidence regarding usage of polysulfide, a novel H₂S derived molecule, in the therapy of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity, was also summarized.

Effects of hydrogen sulfide on acetaminophen-induced acute renal toxicity in rats

INTRODUCTION AND AIM

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is an endogenously produced gas-structure mediator. It is proposed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects. Acetaminophen (N-acetyl-P-aminophenol; APAP) is an antipyretic and analgesic medication known as paracetamol. When taken at therapeutic doses there are few side-effects, but at high doses APAP can cause clear liver and kidney damage in humans and experimental animals. In this study, the effects of the H₂S donor of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) on acute renal toxicity induced by APAP in rats were researched in comparison with N-acetyl cysteine (NAC).

METHOD

Rats were divided into six groups (n = 7) as control. APAP, APAP + NAC, APAP + NaHS 25 µmol/kg, NaHS 50 µmol/kg and NaHS 100 µmol/kg. After oral dose of 2 g/kg APAP, NAC and NaHS were administered via the i.p. route for 7 days. In renal homogenates, KIM-1 (Kidney Injury Molecule-1), NGAL (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin), TNF-α and TGFβ levels were measured with the ELISA method for tissue injury and inflammation. In renal tissue, oxidative stress levels were identified by spectrophotometric measurement of TAS and TOS. Histopathologic investigation of renal tissue used caspase 3 staining for apoptotic changes, Masson trichrome and H&E staining for variations occurring in glomerular and tubular systems.

RESULTS

NaHS lowered KIM-1, NGAL, TNF-α, TGF-β and TOS levels elevated in renal tissue linked to APAP and increased TAS values. NaHS prevented apoptosis in the kidney and was identified to ensure histologic amelioration in glomerular and tubular structures. NaHS at 50 µmol/kg dose was more effective, with the effect reduced with 100 µmol/kg dose.

CONCLUSION

H₂S shows protective effect against acute renal injury linked to APAP. This protective effect reduces with high doses of H₂S. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of H₂S may play a role in the renoprotective effect.

Pseudoginsengenin DQ Exhibits Therapeutic Effects in Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury via Sirt1/NF-κB and Caspase Signaling Pathway without Compromising Its Antitumor Activity in Mice

In this study, the protective effects of pseudoginsengenin DQ (PDQ) on cisplatin (CDDP)-induced nephrotoxicity were assessed, with a primary investigation into the mechanisms involved. Our results showed that pretreatment with PDQ remarkably restored levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CRE), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Meanwhile, PDQ decreased the CDDP-induced overexpression of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), cytochrome P450 E1 (CYP2E1), TNF-α, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in renal tissues. Hoechst 33258 and TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining showed that CDDP-induced renal tubular cell apoptosis was apparently inhibited by PDQ. Western blotting showed that PDQ reversed the CDDP-induced (1) downregulation of Sirtuin-1 (Sirt-1), nuclear-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and Bcl-2, and (2) upregulation of NF-κB, Nox-4, Bax, caspase-9, and caspase-3. In addition, PDQ enhanced the antitumor activity of cisplatin in Lewis lung cancer xenograft tumor model mice. In conclusion, we found that PDQ exerted a renal protective effect against CDDP-induced acute nephrotoxicity via Sirt1/NF-κB and the caspase signaling pathway without compromising the antitumor activity of CDDP, which provides a new potential strategy for the clinical treatment of cancer and presents a new medicinal application of PDQ.

Effects of Pravastatin in Adriamycin-Induced Nephropathy in Rats

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of pravastatin on Adriamycin (ADR)-induced nephropathy and the mechanisms involved. Forty rats were divided into the following 4 groups: control, ADR (15 mg.kg^-1, IP), ADR plus pravastatin (20 mg.kg^-1 which was started 5 days prior to ADR injection), and ADR plus pravastatin (20 mg.kg^-1 which was started 5 days after ADR injection). On day 20 after ADR injection, the animals were sacrificed. The results showed that administration of pravastatin decreased the levels of 24-h urinary protein (24-h UP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (p < 0.05) which had increased after the injection of ADR; in addition, pravastatin reversed structural changes seen in ADR group. Furthermore, pravastatin elevated mRNA and protein expression of nephrin (p < 0.05) which had been reduced in ADR group. We conclude that pravastatin protects and treats renal injury induced by ADR.