Protective effect of deinoxanthin in sorafenib-induced nephrotoxicity in rats with the hepatocellular carcinoma model

Sorafenib is a synthetic compound and an orally administered multichines inhibitor that targets growth signaling and angiogenesis. It is widely recognized as the standard of care for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) but has toxic side effects. Deinoxanthin, purified from the radioresistant bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans, has strong antioxidant characteristics. In this study, the protective effect of deinoxanthin against sorafenib-induced nephrotoxicity was investigated in a rat model of hepatocellular carcinoma. In this regard, the expressions of DDAH1, KIM1, and INOS genes were examined, histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed, and various parameters such as SOD, MDA, GST, CAT, TAS, and TOS were tested biochemically. BUN and creatinine levels were measured in renal tissues. RT-qPCR, Western blot, and ELISA methods were used for all these analyses. As a result, the analyses show that deinoxanthin, which has a high antioxidant capacity, reduces kidney injury and can be used as a protective agent. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the potential of deinoxanthin as a protective agent against the nephrotoxic side effects of sorafenib in HCC. Our study identified the potential synergistic effects of sorafenib and deinoxanthin on nephrotoxicity in rats with hepatocellular carcinoma.