Drug-Induced Nephrotoxicity: Biomarker-Based Phytotherapeutic Interventions
Saloni Joshi1, Ruby Beniwal2, Reema Gabrani1
1Centre for Emerging Diseases, Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Journal of Applied Toxicology : JAT
|March 26, 2026
Summary
Drug-induced nephrotoxicity (DIN) damages kidneys via various medications. Phytochemicals show promise in protecting kidneys by modulating cellular pathways, offering potential for novel therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Drug-induced nephrotoxicity (DIN) is a significant complication of common medications.
- Mechanisms of renal cell damage include apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
- Current treatments for DIN offer limited efficacy, highlighting the need for new interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on drug-induced nephrotoxicity (DIN), its biomarkers, and phytotherapy.
- To explore the mechanisms of phytochemicals in renoprotection.
- To identify potential therapeutic and preventive strategies for DIN.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature survey was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (2000-2025).
- The review distinguished between preclinical studies and clinical evidence.
- Analysis focused on biomarkers, phytotherapy, and molecular mechanisms of DIN.
Main Results:
- Drug-induced nephrotoxicity (DIN) can result in acute and chronic kidney injury.
- Biomarkers like serum creatinine and kidney injury molecule-1 are crucial for detection but challenging to manage.
- Phytochemicals demonstrate renoprotective effects by modulating apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Phytochemicals offer promising nephroprotective effects with low toxicity, modulating key cellular pathways.
- Understanding phytochemical mechanisms can lead to innovative therapeutic and preventive approaches for DIN.
- Targeting molecular mechanisms of phytochemicals may improve patient outcomes beyond symptomatic management.
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