Pevonedistat attenuates cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in mice by downregulating the release of inflammatory mediators

Pevonedistat (MLN4924) is a specific NEDD8-activating enzyme inhibitor that inactivates cullin-RING ligases involved in ubiquitylation and turnover of different signaling molecules. In the current study, we evaluated the effect of pevonedistat on cisplatin (CIS)-induced nephrotoxicity in mice. Serum creatinine and urea levels were analyzed in different groups. Histopathological examination of renal tissue was done using hematoxylin and eosin staining. In addition, renal IL-6 and TNF-alpha expressions were analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique, and IL-1 beta and NF-kappa B expressions were analyzed by immunohistochemical staining of renal tissue. Caspase-3, A20, beta-catenin, and Nrf2 gene expressions in renal tissue were analyzed using the reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction technique. Western blot analysis was adopted to assess cleaved caspase-3 and beta-catenin expressions in renal tissue. Pevonedistat coadministration with CIS improved kidney functions and attenuated CIS-induced nephrotoxicity as indicated by the significant decrease in serum creatinine and urea levels. In addition, pevonedistat coadministration with CIS showed a significant decrease in caspase-3 and a significant increase in A20, beta-catenin, and Nrf2 gene expressions. Also, pevonedistat decreased caspase-3 cleavage to p19 in mice treated with CIS. Moreover, pevonedistat decreased CIS-induced upregulation of IL-6, TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and NF-kappa B protein expressions in renal tissue. Thus, pevonedistat alleviated CIS-induced nephrotoxicity that might be attributed to suppression of the inflammation induced in renal tissue.