Protective effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester against cadmium-induced renal damage in mice

Cadmium (Cd) is classified as an environmental pollutant and human carcinogen. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a biological active component of honeybee propolis extracts, has been used as a folk medicine with no harmful effects on normal cells. Here we investigated the beneficial effect of CAPE on Cd-induced renal damage in mice. Since renal damage induced by Cd (II) is related to oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation (LPO), protein carbonyl (PCO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) were evaluated. Moreover, the concentrations of Cd and zinc (Zn) in the kidney were analyzed. The intoxication of Cd (II) leads to the enhanced production of LPO and PCO, and the decrease of SOD activity and GSH level, probably due to the serious oxidative stress. However, the activities of CAT in the Cd (II)-induced group showed an elevated tendency, probably relating to an adaptive-response to the oxidative damage. The co-administration of CAPE can attenuate the oxidative stress caused by the intoxication of Cd and restore the altered antioxidant defense system. Based on our data, it is proposed that CAPE may involve in the protection of renal damage induced by Cd (II) owing to its antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory effect.