Possible involvement of the lipoxygenase and leukotriene signaling pathways in cisplatin-mediated renal toxicity.

PURPOSE: The present study examined the possible involvement of the lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway in cisplatin (CPT)-induced nephrotoxicity.

METHODS: Wistar albino rats were challenged with CPT IP injection (7.5 mg/kg) and were sacrificed after one week. Signs of renal dysfunction, including urea and creatinine clearance levels and renal histological structure, were investigated. Gene and protein expression levels of different LOX pathway enzymes and products, including 5-LOX, 12-LOX, 15-LOX, 5-LOX activating protein (FLAP), leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4 hydrolase), leukotriene C4 synthase (LTC4 synthase), LTB4 receptor, and cysteinyl (cys) LT receptor types 1 and 2, were also determined in the kidneys using real-time PCR and western blotting, respectively. The serum and kidney levels of LTB4 and inflammatory markers were also estimated.

RESULTS: CPT renal toxicity was established as the creatinine and urea clearance levels were significantly reduced, while the serum levels of creatinine and urea were markedly increased. We reported a considerable up-regulation in the mRNA and protein expression levels of 5-LOX, FLAP, 12-LOX, LTA4 hydrolase, LTC4 synthase, LTB4 receptor, and Cys LT receptor types 1 and 2, while 15-LOX expression did not significantly change in the CPT group. Additionally, LTB4 and inflammatory indicators in serum and renal levels were elevated significantly in the CPT group. Histopathological examination clearly showed the nephrotoxic changes in the renal tissues of CPT-challenged animals.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested, for the first time, the participation of LOX enzymes and products in the signaling pathway leading to CPT-associated nephrotoxicity, which could be the foundation stone for combining LOX pathway attenuators with CPT therapy to decrease CPT-associated renal toxicity.