Khellin Mitigates Cisplatin-Induced Renal Injury by Targeting Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis: Integration of Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Preclinical Validation

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: The present study aimed to evaluate the nephroprotective role of Khellin (Khe) against cisplatin (CDDP)-mediated nephrotoxicity in rats. <b>Methods</b>: We assessed oxidative stress markers (MDA, CAT, SOD, GPx, and iNOs), inflammatory markers (TNFα, IL6, IL10, and MCP1), apoptotic markers (Bax and Bcl2), and the renal damage marker (Kim1). Network pharmacology and molecular docking studies were performed. In vitro, Khe effects were tested on normal kidney cells (Vero) and liver cancer cells (HepG2) treated with CDDP. <b>Results</b>: Network pharmacology and docking suggested Khe's activity primarily affects oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways, notably through MAPK14 and PI3K downregulation. In vitro, Khe reduced CDDP's cytotoxicity in Vero cells while maintaining anti-proliferative effects on HepG2 cells. In vivo, CDDP significantly increased serum creatinine, urea, Kim1, oxidative stress markers (MDA and iNOS), and inflammatory markers (TNFα, IL6, and MCP1) while decreasing antioxidant markers (SOD, GPx, CAT, and SOD3) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL10) levels. Khe treatment dose-dependently attenuated these changes, with the 100 mg/kg dose showing the most significant renoprotection. Histopathological analysis confirmed improved renal tissue integrity in Khe-treated groups. <b>Conclusions</b>: This study demonstrates that Khe exerts significant nephroprotective effects against CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity by mitigating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis while improving renal function and structure. These findings suggest Khe as a promising therapeutic candidate for preventing CDDP-related kidney injury.