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Updated: Jul 9, 2025

Preparation of Naringenin Solution for In Vivo Application
Published on: August 10, 2021
Naringin attenuates oxaliplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity: A molecular, biochemical, and
Mustafa Ileriturk1, Duygu Ileriturk2, Ozge Kandemir3
1Department of Animal Science, Horasan Vocational College, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey.
Abstract:
Oxaliplatin (OXL) is a significant therapy agent for the worldwide increase in cancer cases. Naringin (4',5,7-trihydroxy flavonon 7-rhamnoglucoside, NRG) has a wide range of biological and pharmacological activities, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials. This research aimed to investigate NRG activity in OXL-induced hepatorenal toxicity. Accordingly, OXL (4 mg/kg b.w.) in 5% glucose was injected intraperitoneally on the first, second, fifth, and sixth days, and NRG (50 and 100 mg/kg b.w.) was given orally 30 min before to treatment. Biochemical, genetic, and histological methods were utilized to investigate the function tests, oxidant/antioxidant status, inflammation, apoptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathways in kidney and liver tissues. Administration of NRG demonstrated an antioxidant effect by increasing the activities of OXL-induced reduced antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) and decreasing the elevated lipid peroxidation parameter malondialdehyde levels. Nuclear factor-κB, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and inducible nitric oxide synthase levels increased in OXL administered groups but reduced in NRG-treated groups. In the OXL-administered groups, NRG reduced the apoptosis-inducing factors Caspase-3 and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein levels, while elevating the antiapoptotic factor Bcl-2 levels. OXL triggered prolonged ER stress by increasing the levels of ER stress parameters activating transcription factor 6, protein kinase R-like ER kinase, inositol-requiring enzyme 1α, and glucose-regulated protein 78. Therefore, with the NRG administration, this activity was reduced and the ER stress level decreased. Taken together, it was found that OXL induced toxicity by increasing the levels of urea and creatinine, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase activities, inflammation, apoptosis, ER stress, and oxidants in the liver and kidney tissue, and NRG had a protective effect by reversing the deterioration in these pathways.
Insights
Naringin (NRG) protects against oxaliplatin (OXL)-induced liver and kidney toxicity by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. This study highlights NRG
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Oxaliplatin (OXL) is a crucial chemotherapy agent, but its use is limited by significant hepatorenal toxicity.
- Naringin (NRG), a flavonoid, possesses known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Understanding NRG's protective mechanisms against OXL-induced damage is vital for improving cancer therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of Naringin (NRG) against Oxaliplatin (OXL)-induced liver and kidney toxicity.
- To elucidate the molecular pathways involved, including oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and ER stress.
Main Methods:
- Animal model of OXL-induced hepatorenal toxicity.
- Administration of varying doses of NRG prior to OXL treatment.
- Biochemical assays for liver and kidney function, oxidant/antioxidant status, and inflammatory markers.
- Genetic and histological analyses to assess apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress.
Main Results:
- NRG significantly ameliorated OXL-induced liver and kidney damage, evidenced by improved function tests (urea, creatinine, liver enzymes).
- NRG reversed oxidative stress by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity and reducing lipid peroxidation.
- NRG suppressed inflammatory markers (NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β), reduced apoptosis (Caspase-3, Bax), and alleviated ER stress (ATF6, PERK, IRE1α, GRP78).
Conclusions:
- Naringin (NRG) exhibits significant protective effects against Oxaliplatin (OXL)-induced hepatorenal toxicity.
- NRG's protective action is mediated through its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and ER stress-reducing properties.
- NRG represents a promising therapeutic agent for mitigating chemotherapy-induced organ damage.

