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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.
Abstract:
Nephrotoxicity is a condition caused by the negative effects of several chemotherapy treatments on the kidneys. Our target was to determine how boswellic and carnosic acids protected rats against vanadyl sulfate (VOS)-induced nephrotoxicity. A total of 30 male Wistar albino rats were used in the investigation. They were divided into sex groups (five rats in each group) as follows: Rats in the control group were given carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) at a concentration of 0.5%. VOS group was administered a weekly intraperitoneal injection of VOS 50 mg/kg for six consecutive weeks. For 6 weeks in a row, rats in the boswellic acid group were given injections of BA every day at a dose of 100 mg/kg orally. Group receiving carnosic acid received 100 mg/kg of CA orally daily for 6 consecutive weeks. For 6 weeks, rats in the boswellic acid plus VOS group were given 50 mg/kg of VOS intraperitoneally (i.p.) once a week and 100 mg/kg of BA orally daily. For 6 weeks, the carnosic acid plus VOS group received 50 mg/kg of VOS intraperitoneally once a week and 100 mg/kg of CA orally daily. In contrast to the control group, our results demonstrated that the injection of vanadyl sulfate to the VOS group contributed a significant increase in creatinine and blood urea as well as disordered kidney oxidative antioxidant interaction. The injection of vanadyl sulfate to the VOS group produced an increase in renal MDA concentration and a decrease in renal SOD activity, GSH content, GR, and CAT activities in comparison to the control group. When compared to the control group, our study on renal mRNA expression revealed that administering vanadyl sulfate to the VOS group increases renal iNOS, PI3K, and AKT mRNA expressions and modulates the mRNA expression of renal Nrf2 and HO-1. According to the current investigation, treating rats with BA or CA can reduce their nephrotoxicity from VOS; when the defective kidney oxidative antioxidant redox levels were returned to normal, the fibrosis in the Van-treated animals decreased. These findings are consistent with interactions between the Pi3k/Akt and Nrf2/Ho-1 pathways, as one of the human body's most vital organs.
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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