Diosmin Mitigates Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats: Insights on miR-21 and -155 Expression, Nrf2/HO-1 and p38-MAPK/NF-κB Pathways

Gentamicin (GNT) is the most frequently used aminoglycoside. However, its therapeutic efficacy is limited due to nephrotoxicity. Thus, the potential anticipatory effect of Diosmin (DIOS) against GNT-prompted kidney damage in rats together with the putative nephroprotective pathways were scrutinized. Four groups of rats were used: (1) control; (2) GNT only; (3) GNT plus DIOS; and (4) DIOS only. Nephrotoxicity was elucidated, and the microRNA-21 (miR-21) and microRNA-155 (miR-155) expression and Nrf2/HO-1 and p38-MAPK/NF-κB pathways were assessed. GNT provoked an upsurge in the relative kidney weight and serum level of urea, creatinine, and KIM-1. The MDA level was markedly boosted, with a decline in the level of TAC, SOD, HO-1, and Nrf2 expression in the renal tissue. Additionally, GNT exhibited a notable amplification in TNF-α, IL-1β, NF-κB p65, and p38-MAPK kidney levels. Moreover, caspase-3 and BAX expression were elevated, whereas the Bcl-2 level was reduced. Furthermore, GNT resulted in the down-regulation of miR-21 expression along with an up-regulation of the miR-155 expression. Histological examination revealed inflammation, degradation, and necrosis. GNT-provoked pathological abnormalities were reversed by DIOS treatment, which restored normal kidney architecture. Hence, regulating miR-21 and -155 expression and modulating Nrf2/HO-1 and p38-MAPK/NF-κB pathways could take a vital part in mediating the reno-protective effect of DIOS.