Thea sinensis melanin prevents cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in mice

The preventive effect of Thea sinensis melanin (TSM) against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity was studied on ICR mice. Animals were given 20 mg/kg i.p. of cisplatin, and TSM was injected i.p. in doses 10–40 mg/kg 2 h before intoxication. The protective effects were evidenced by a complete inhibition of the cisplatin-induced elevation of serum Blood Urea nitrogen (BUN), prevention of oxidative stress, and complete blockade of cisplatin-induced elevation of serum creatinine. TSM by itself, however, did not affect the renal functional parameters, including serum BUN and creatinine. Real-time RT-PCR was applied to quantify mRNA levels of cisplatin-treated mouse kidney compared to normal mouse kidney for selected marker genes. Cisplatin treatment increases mRNA levels 40-fold for glutathione-S-transferases (Gstp2), 15-fold for soluble epoxide hydrolase (Ephx1), 15-fold for lipocalin 2 (Lcn2), 9-fold for lysozyme (Lyz), 5-fold for UDP glycosyltransferase 2 (Utg2b), 30-fold for survival motor neuron (Smn1), 30-fold for guanidinoacetate methyltransferase (Gamt), 80-fold for urine retinol binding protein (Rbp4), 60-fold for aminopeptidase N (Apn), 60-fold for cytochrome P450 (Cyp2d18), and 100-fold for ornithine aminotransferase (Oat). Pre-administration of TSM restored normal expression of marker genes for cisplatin-treated mouse kidneys. TSM by itself, however, did not affect the transcription for marker genes. Results obtained demonstrate that TSM pre-administration can prevent the renal toxic effects of cisplatin.