The beneficial effects of Berberine on experimental model of Acrylamide induced nephrotoxicity

Abstract

Background Acrylamide (AA) is an industrial monomer which is used in many industries. Dietary or occupational exposure affects high percentage of population. It causes multi-organ toxicity including neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity via induction of oxidative stress and inflammation. AA induced nephrotoxicity is a major health problem that needs our concern. Berberine (BBR) is an alkaloid that has nephroprotective effects as being an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory. Aim The aim of this work was to shed light on autophagy and nucleotide binding oligomerization domain like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome formation and to assess the ameliorating effect of BBR as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and autophagy modulator on experimental model of AA induced nephrotoxicity. Materials and methods This study was done on 50 male rats, which were randomly divided equally into 5 groups: control group; Acrylamide group (received AA only); Berberine-Acrylamide co-treatment group (received AA and BBR simultaneously); prophylaxis group (given BBR alone for 10 days followed by BBR and AA for another 10 days); and Berberine group (received BBR only). Results Administration of BBR as a prophylactic agent enhanced kidney function, restored electrolyte balance, suppressed oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome and induced mitophagy. However, its administration as a co-treatment with AA showed ameliorating effect. The histopathological changes were consistent with the biochemical results. Conclusion: BBR could protect against AA induced nephrotoxicity through reduction of oxidative stress, suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome and induction of mitophagy. The usage of BBR as a protective drug against the progression of nephrotoxicity seems to be promising.