Rhein protects 5/6 nephrectomized rat against renal injury by reducing inflammation via NF-κB signaling

Background/Aims Inflammation is well known to play a pivotal role in renal injury. Rhein is a major component of the medicinal Rhubarb. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Rhein protects against renal injury and explore its underlying mechanism. Methods 5/6 nephrectomization (5/6 Nx) was operated on Sprague–Dawley rats. Human kidney tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The level of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (SCr) was examined. Kidney tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin to check the morphology. The cell viability was examined. The levels of cytokines and chemokines were measured by ELISA kit. The protein expression was determined by western blot. Results Rhein significantly decreased SCr and BUN levels in 5/6 Nx rat. The morphologic findings indicated noteworthy amelioration of the damaged renal tissue in Rhein-treated rats. Rhein significantly protects HK-2 cells from LPS-mediated apoptosis. The productions of inflammatory signaling molecules (TNF-α, IL-6 and MCP-1) were inhibited by Rhein. LPS-induced NF-κB activation was also attenuated by Rhein via blocking its nuclear translocation by inhibiting phosphorylation of IκBα. Conclusion These findings provide evidence that Rhein protect against renal injury, and NF-κB signaling pathway is involved in this protective effect.