# Berberine nanoemulsion against nephrotoxicity induced by bisphenol a in rats during pre-puberty stage

## TL;DR

Berberine nanoemulsion helps protect young rats' kidneys from damage caused by a plastic chemical called bisphenol A.

## Contribution

This study shows berberine nanoemulsion at 10 mg/kg can reverse kidney damage caused by bisphenol A in pre-pubertal rats.

## Key findings

- BPA increased oxidative stress and inflammation in rat kidneys.
- BNE at 10 mg/kg reversed BPA-induced kidney damage and inflammation.
- BNE improved kidney function markers and histopathology in BPA-exposed rats.

## Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of berberine nanoemulsion (BNE) against nephrotoxicity induced by bisphenol A (BPA), a plastic chemical, in rats during the pre-puberty stage. Thirty-six male Wistar rats (23-day-old) were randomly allocated to six groups (n = 6): Group 1 (Control). Group 2 (BPA): BPA (200 mg/kg) and saline. Groups 3 (BNE 5) and 4 (BNE 10): BNE (5 and 10 mg/kg,). Groups 5 (BPA + BNE 5) and 6 (BPA + BNE 10): BPA with BNE (5 and 10 mg/kg). After 30 days, kidney samples were obtained for histopathological and biochemical tests. BPA increased serum urea, uric acid, creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and kidney levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) versus controls. BPA decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), reduced glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. BNE (10 mg/kg) reversed these changes to near-control levels. Histopathology showed lumen obliteration of renal tubules, dilated vessels, glomerular atrophy, and large capsular space in the BPA group. Less inflammation and improved glomerular architecture were seen in the BPA + BNE10 group. In conclusion, BNE (10 mg/kg) significantly alleviated BPA-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and histopathological changes in the kidney of rats during the pre-puberty stage due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This finding confirms the safety and efficacy of BNE in nephrotoxic model during pre-puberty stage. It can be suggested to investigate this agent in clinical study as a possible therapeutic approach.

•Bisphenol A (BPA) impaired kidney function in prepubertal rats.•BPA increased oxidative stress and reduced antioxidant defenses.•BPA elevated renal pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α).•Berberine nanoemulsion (BNE, 10 mg/kg) reversed biochemical changes.•BNE alleviated BPA-induced renal injury via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Bisphenol A (BPA) impaired kidney function in prepubertal rats.

BPA increased oxidative stress and reduced antioxidant defenses.

BPA elevated renal pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α).

Berberine nanoemulsion (BNE, 10 mg/kg) reversed biochemical changes.

BNE alleviated BPA-induced renal injury via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.