Boswellic Acid and Carnosine Ameliorate Vanadyl-Sulfate-Induced Renal Damage via Regulating Nrf2/HO-1 and PI3K/AKT

Ghada M Gad1, Nahla S Kotb2, Khalid S Hashem3

  • 1Biotechnology and Life Sciences Department, Faculty of Postgraduate Studies For Advanced Sciences, Beni Suef University, Beni-Suef, 26511, Egypt.

PubMed

Insights

Boswellic acid and carnosic acid protect against vanadyl sulfate-induced kidney damage by restoring oxidative balance and reducing fibrosis. These natural compounds offer a potential therapeutic strategy for mitigating chemotherapy-related nephrotoxicity.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Toxicology
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Nephrotoxicity is a significant concern with certain chemotherapy agents.
  • Vanadyl sulfate (VOS) is a known nephrotoxicant, inducing oxidative stress and kidney damage.
  • Identifying protective agents against VOS-induced nephrotoxicity is crucial for patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the protective effects of boswellic acid (BA) and carnosic acid (CA) against VOS-induced nephrotoxicity in a rat model.
  • To elucidate the underlying mechanisms involving oxidative stress and key signaling pathways.

Main Methods:

  • Male Wistar albino rats were divided into six groups: control, VOS, BA, CA, BA + VOS, and CA + VOS.
  • Animals were administered VOS (50 mg/kg, i.p. weekly) and/or BA or CA (100 mg/kg, orally daily) for six weeks.
  • Kidney function markers (creatinine, blood urea), oxidative stress parameters (MDA, SOD, GSH, GR, CAT), and gene expression (iNOS, PI3K, AKT, Nrf2, HO-1) were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • VOS administration significantly increased creatinine and blood urea, indicating kidney dysfunction.
  • VOS-induced oxidative stress was evidenced by increased MDA and decreased SOD, GSH, GR, and CAT activities.
  • BA and CA treatment significantly ameliorated VOS-induced nephrotoxicity, restoring oxidative balance and reducing renal MDA levels.
  • VOS modulated renal mRNA expression of iNOS, PI3K, AKT, Nrf2, and HO-1; BA and CA treatments normalized these expressions.
  • Fibrosis in VOS-treated rats was reduced following BA or CA administration.

Conclusions:

  • Boswellic acid and carnosic acid demonstrate significant nephroprotective effects against vanadyl sulfate-induced kidney injury in rats.
  • These protective effects are mediated through the restoration of antioxidant defense systems and modulation of PI3K/Akt and Nrf2/Ho-1 signaling pathways.
  • BA and CA represent promising natural compounds for managing chemotherapy-induced nephrotoxicity.

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