ABSTRACT
To examine the effects of p-coumaric acid on ethanol-induced kidney injury in Swiss Wistar rats. Methods: Ethanol (25% v/v) was used to induce nephrotoxicity in rats. p-Coumaric acid was orally administered at 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg body weight. The levels of oxidative parameters were determined; pro-inflammatory biomarkers were analyzed by Western blotting and apoptotic protein was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Results: Ethanol treated rats showed decreased levels of antioxidants and aberrant production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL1P, TNF-), NF- and kappa;B activation and imbalance of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2, Bax, caspase 3). Meanwhile, jp-coumaric acid restored antioxidant levels and decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines, NF- and kappa;B, and pro- apoptotic proteins and increased Bcl-2 expression. Conclusions: jp-Coumaric acid ameliorates ethanol-induced kidney injury by restoring antioxidant production and suppressing cellular apoptosis and inhibiting NF- and kappa;B expression. jp-Coumaric acid should be further investigated as a promising candidate for ethanol-induced kidney toxicity.