Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 27, 2025

Author Spotlight: Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking to Decipher the Action of Jiawei Shengjiang San Against Diabetic Kidney Disease
Published on: May 10, 2024
The effect of aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats
Mahmoud Mohamed Mokhtar1, Emad Gamil Khidr2, Hesham Mohamed Shaban2
1Biochemistry Department-Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Almokhayam Aldaem Street, 6th Province, Nasr City, Cairo, 13465, Egypt. Mahmoud.Mokhtar@Azhar.edu.eg.
Abstract:
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)/aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) regulate the expression of target genes, including drug transporter genes which harbor xenobiotic response element (XRE) in their promoter regions. Thus, PAHs/AhR could alter the toxicokinetic profile of many nephrotoxic drugs, including aminoglycosides. In the current study, we investigated the expression and localization of AhR and megalin in rat kidney. Furthermore, we investigated whether AhR and its ligands could modulate the expression of megalin and consequently the gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity (GN) in rats. Both megalin and AhR receptors are expressed in the proximal tubules of the rat kidney. Treatment with AhR agonist benzo(a)pyrene aggravated GN as indicated by a significant increase in serum creatinine, BUN, KIM1, NAGL, CD-86, and urinary albumin/creatinine ratio. On the other hand, treatment with AhR antagonist resveratrol ameliorated GN as manifested by a pronounced decrease in the aforementioned parameters. The effects of AhR ligands on GN were associated with altered expression of megalin receptor.
Related Concept Videos
Determination of Multiple Dosing Parameters: Steady-State, Minimum and Maximum Concentrations
Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System
Physical Properties of Amines
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
GPCR Desensitization
GPCRs Regulate Adenylyl Cylase Activity

