Protective effects of gallic acid against nickel-induced kidney injury: impact of antioxidants and transcription factor on the incidence of nephrotoxicity

Abstract

Nickel (Ni) is a common metal with a nephrotoxic effect, damaging the kidneys. This study investigated the mechanism by which gallic acid (GA) protects mice kidneys against renal damage induced by Nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO-NPs). Forty male Swiss albino mice were randomly assigned into four groups, each consisting of ten mice (n = 10/group): Group I the control group, received no treatment; Group II, the GA group, was administrated GA at a dosage of 110 mg/kg/day body weight; Group III, the NiO-NPs group, received injection of NiO-NPs at a concentration of 20 mg/kg body weight for 10 consecutive days; Group IV, the GA + NiO-NPs group, underwent treatment with both GA and NiO-NPs. The results showed a significant increase in serum biochemical markers and a reduction in antioxidant activities. Moreover, levels of 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG), phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa B (p65), and protein carbonyl (PC) were significantly elevated in group III compared with group I. Furthermore, the western blot analysis revealed significant high NF-κB p65 expression, immunohistochemistry of the NF-κB and caspase-1 expression levels were significantly increased in group III compared to group I. Additionally, the histopathological inspection of the kidney in group III exhibited a substantial increase in extensive necrosis features compared with group I. In contrast, the concomitant coadministration of GA and NiO-NPs in group IV showed significant biochemical, antioxidant activities, immunohistochemical and histopathological improvements compared with group III. Gallic acid has a protective role against kidney dysfunction and renal damage in Ni-nanoparticle toxicity.