Renoprotective effect of hyperin against CdCl2 prompted renal damage by activation of Nrf-2/Keap-1 ARE pathway in male mice

Objectives: This study explored the mitigating properties of hyperin (HYP) on renotoxicity induced by cadmium chloride (CdCl2). Methods: Four groups of seven male albino mice each were used in this experiment. Group 1 served as the control, receiving no treatment. Group 2 received daily oral gavage of CdCl2 at 0.3 mg/kg body weight for 28 d. Group 3 received both CdCl2 (0.3 mg/kg) and HYP (100 mg/kg) daily using the same administration method. Finally, Group 4 received only HYP (100 mg/kg) daily. Results: Cd exposure significantly increased kidney dysfunction markers (blood urea nitrogen and creatinine) and oxidative stress (reactive oxygen species [ROS] and malondialdehyde [MDA]). Conversely, it decreased antioxidant enzyme activities (glutathione peroxidase (GPx] and catalase [CAT]) and glutathione (GSH) levels. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) and antioxidant gene expression decreased, while Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 expression increased. Additionally, Cd exposure increased inflammatory mediators (nuclear factor kappa B, tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-alpha], interleukin-1 beta [IL-1 beta], and cyclooxygenase-2) and apoptotic markers (Bax and caspase-3), alongside decreased Bcl-2 expression and renal tissue abnormalities. Mitochondrial dysfunction manifested with diminished activities of Krebs cycle and respiratory chain enzymes, and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. Co-treatment with HYP significantly attenuated these detrimental effects through its anti-apoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Conclusion: HYP co-treatment significantly attenuated CdCl2-induced renal damage in mice, suggesting its potential as a protective agent against Cd-induced kidney toxicity.