Ginsenoside Rg1 and Resveratrol Alleviate Acute Kidney Injury Induced by Cisplatin via Downregulation of Autophagy in Mice

Background: Cisplatin, a chemotherapeutic agent, is widely used in the treatment of malignant tumors. Nephrotoxicity, especially acute kidney injury (AKI), is the most common and severe adverse reaction of cisplatin. Resveratrol and ginsenoside Rg1, two natural products, have been found to have renal protective effects. However, the effects and the mechanisms in cisplatin-induced AKI need further investigation. Methods: The mouse models of cisplatin-induced AKI and several treatment groups were established. Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into five groups: saline control group, cisplatin injury group, resveratrol treatment group, Rg1 treatment group, resveratrol and Rg1 combined treatment group. Serological analysis of serum urea nitrogen was aimed to reflect the function of kidney, and histological analysis of renal tissue sections was aimed to assess the damage of proximal convoluted tubules. The expression levels of autophagy-related proteins Beclin 1 and LC3 were detected by western blotting and qRT-PCR respectively. Results: The renal function was improved and renal damage was alleviated in Rg1 and resveratrol alone or combined treatment groups compared with the cisplatin injury group. For the mechanism, treatment with Rg1 and resveratrol alone or in combination decreased the expressions of Beclin 1 both at protein and mRNA levels, decreased LC3II/I protein levels, indicating that autophagy was inhibited by treatment with Rg1 and resveratrol alone or in combination. Conclusion: Resveratrol and Rg1 alleviated the kidney damage caused by cisplatin, and reduced autophagy was involved in the renoprotective effects of resveratrol and Rg1 against cisplatin-induced AKI. This study may provide new evidence to alleviate cisplatin-induced AKI.