Hinokitiol attenuates gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity by reversing oxidative stress and inflammation

Abstract

Introduction: Gentamicin (GEN) is a nephrotoxic aminoglycoside antibiotic, Hinokitiol, also known as (sng yóu chn) in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is a natural substance derived from the wood of certain coniferous trees, whereas hinokitiol (HE) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This study aims to determine the protective role of HE in GEN-induced kidney injury. Methods: Adult male Wistar rats were separated into three groups: one treated with GEN, one treated with GEN plus pre-treated with HE, and one treated with vehicle. The levels of creatinine, urea, malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the blood were measured. Histopathological alterations in renal tissues were evaluated, and inflammatory markers (TNF- α, NF-κB) were detected. Results: GEN-induced nephrotoxicity raised plasma creatinine, urea, and MDA levels while decreasing SOD levels. The combination of HE and GEN considerably reduced these effects. Renal tissues from GEN-treated rats showed lymphoid infiltration and tubular atrophy, whereas these were significantly decreased in the HE pre-treatment group. HE pre-treatment substantially reduced elevated TNF-α and NF-κB in GEN-administered animals. Conclusion: The study shows that HE protects against GEN-induced kidney damage, attributed to decreased oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways. These findings point to the possible therapeutic utility of HE in the treatment of GEN-related nephrotoxicity.

Keywords

• Nephrotoxicity
• Gentamicin
• Hinokitiol
• TNF-α
• NF-κB
• Inflammation