Protective effect of quercetin on cadmium-induced kidney apoptosis in rats based on PERK signaling pathway

Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic environmental pollutant that can enter the body through bioaccumulation. The kidney is an important target organ for Cd poisoning. Quercetin (Que) is a natural flavonoid compound with free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties. Previous studies showed that Que can alleviate kidney damage caused by Cd poisoning in rats, but the specific mechanism is still unclear.

Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into four groups: normal saline-treated control group, Cd group treated by intraperitoneal injection of 2 mg/kg b.w. CdCl₂, Cd + Que group treated by intraperitoneal injection of 2 mg/kg b.w. CdCl₂ and 100 mg/kg b.w. Que, and Que group treated by 100 mg/kg b.w. Que. Four weeks later, the rats were anesthetized with diethyl ether, and blood was taken intravenously. The rats were executed with their necks cut off, and the kidneys were removed. Body weight, kidney organ weight, and glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured. The structure of kidney tissue was observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, kidney cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assay, and the mRNA expression levels of genes related to the PERK signaling pathway were analyzed by RT-PCR.

Compared with the control group, the Cd-treated group exhibited a significant decrease in body weight (P < 0.01). Their kidneys showed a significant increase in the relative organ weight (P < 0.01). Moreover, the MDA and GSH levels increased. Kidney tissue damage and renal cell apoptosis were observed, and the mRNA expression levels of genes related to the PERK signaling pathway significantly increased (P < 0.01). Compared with the Cd-treated group, the Cd + Que group exhibited a significant increase in body weight (P < 0.01) and significant decreases in the relative organ weight, MDA and GSH levels, and mRNA expression levels of genes related to the PERK signaling pathway (P < 0.01). Furthermore, kidney tissue damage and renal cell apoptosis were observed.

Cd treatment resulted in rat weight loss, renal edema, and oxidative stress and caused renal tissue damage and cell apoptosis by activating the PERK signaling pathway. Que was able to restore the body weight and renal coefficient of rats. It also alleviated the oxidative stress and kidney tissue damage caused by Cd and the cell apoptosis caused by Cd through inhibiting the PERK signaling pathway. Thus, Que could be considered for the treatment of kidney diseases caused by Cd poisoning.