Umbelliferone attenuates gentamicin-induced renal toxicity by suppression of TLR-4/NF-κB-p65/NLRP-3 and JAK1/STAT-3 signaling pathways

Nephrotoxicity is the most common adverse effect of gentamicin (GNT). This study aimed to investigate the possible nephroprotective effect of umbelliferone (UMB), against GNT-induced nephrotoxicity. Rats were allocated into the control group; UMB group (50 mg/kg/day, P.O. for 15 days); GNT group (100 mg/kg/day, i.p., for 8 days); and GNT + UMB group. By the end of the experimental period, serum creatinine, urea, and uric acid as well as urine KIM-1 and urine albumin/creatinine ratio were evaluated to estimate kidney function. Moreover, tissue samples were collected for assessment of ERK1/2, p-ERK1/2, TLR-4, p38 MAPK, NF-kappa B-p65, NLRP-3, IkB alpha, TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, JAK1, STAT-3, p-STAT, and cleaved caspase-3. In support, the histopathological examination of renal tissues was performed. UMB improves kidney function through regulation of renal serum biomarkers, with alleviations of histological abrasions induced by GNT. Besides, UMB downregulates renal protein expressions of ERK1/ERK2, TLR-4, and p38MAPK, with subsequent suppression of NF-kappa B-p65/NLRP-3 inflammasome and JAK1/STAT-3 pathways as well as cleaved caspase-3. In parallel, UMB induced IkB alpha upregulation. Collectively, UMB markedly amended all GNT-induced renal changes. These nephroprotective outcomes could be attributed to its ability to impede TLR-4/NF-kappa B-p65/NLRP-3 inflammasome and JAK1/STAT-3 pathways activation, as well as to its anti-inflammatory property.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates that umbelliferone has a protective effect against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity by improving kidney function and histological changes. Umbelliferone regulates multiple biomarkers and protein expressions to suppress inflammation pathways associated with nephrotoxicity.