Morin Hydrate Improves Kidney Functions in DEHP-Intoxicated Mice via NF-kB/TNFα/Oxidative Stress/Apoptosis Pathway

Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a plasticiser used in plastic products; and it dissolves easily and leaks into the environment. Due to its lipophilic nature, DEHP accumulates in organisms and can bioaccumulate through food chains. The natural flavonoid, like morin hydrate, possesses various pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and free radical scavenging. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of morin hydrate (MH) on kidney function of DEHP-treated mice. To investigate the underlying processes of the proposed objective, DEHP (500 mg/kg) and DEHP, along with MH at doses of 10 and 100 mg/kg, were administered to Swiss albino mice for 14 days. Our results showed that MH treatment improved kidney function by decreasing creatinine and urea levels in DEHP-intoxicated mice. Furthermore, the MH also alleviates DEHP-induced kidney fibrosis and kidney histoarchitecture. DEHP-mediated oxidative stress and stimulated apoptosis in the kidney were also mitigated by MH treatment. The elevated expression of NF-kB/TNF-α by the DEHP treatment was also down-regulated by the MH treatment. In addition, the abundance of HSP70 increased in the kidneys after DEHP treatment, and MH treatment also decreased the abundance of HSP70 in the kidneys. In conclusion, DEHP treatment caused kidney toxicity in mice, and MH mitigates the kidney functions via modulating NF-kB/TNF-α/oxidative stress/apoptosis pathway. Our findings provide the new findings that MH protects the kidneys from DEHP intoxication, highlighting the potential of MH as a protective treatment for DEHP toxicity and offering hope for future research and treatments.