Anthocyanin Extracts From 11 Superfruits Mitigate Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Damage in HK‐2 Cells Induced by Cadmium Exposure

Abstract

ABSTRACT Cadmium (Cd) pollution has emerged as an escalating threat to human health, with its induced kidney toxicity being closely linked to oxidative stress and inflammation. In this study, we extracted and analyzed primary anthocyanins from 11 superfruits using UPLC‐Triple‐TOF/MS and evaluated their antioxidant capacity through DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and ORAC assays. By employing a Cd‐exposed Human Kidney‐2 (HK‐2) cells injury model, we investigated the protective effects of superfruit anthocyanin extracts. The results demonstrated that these extracts enhanced HK‐2 cell viability, increased T‐SOD and GSH levels, and reduced ROS, MDA, and NO. Furthermore, they significantly regulated oxidative stress and inflammation‐related genes and proteins. Moreover, we elucidated the mechanisms by which these anthocyanins mitigate Cd‐induced cellular damage via classical oxidative and inflammatory pathways. These findings highlight the potential of specific anthocyanin‐rich fruits in reducing Cd‐related health risks and suggest practical applications for their bioactive properties in promoting human health.

Keywords

• anthocyanin
• cadmium
• oxidative stress
• superfruits