Work

Saroglitazar protects against cadmium-induced hepatorenal injury in rats by suppressing NF-κB and upregulating Nrf2

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Cadmium (Cd) toxicity is one of the major public health problems because of its long half-life (10-30 years). Exposure to Cd can cause toxicity that affects several organs, including the liver and the kidney. Saroglitazar is highlighted in this study as a potential preventative medication against hepatic-renal damage induced by Cd in rats. Methods: Cd (3 mg/kg) was injected for five successive days to induce hepatic and renal damage. Saroglitazar (2 and 4 mg/kg/day) was given orally for five successive days concurrently with Cd. Results: Saroglitazar effectively improved hepatic and renal function and structure. In the meantime, saroglitazar mitigated the oxidative stress caused by Cd; it increased the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Saroglitazar-treated groups showed a significant reduction in hepatic and renal nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Furthermore, saroglitazar pretreatment significantly increased nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2); furthermore, there was a marked reduction in the expression of caspase-3 in both hepatic and renal tissues. Conclusion: Collectively, saroglitazar showed a protective effect against Cd-induced hepatorenal injury in rats.

Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology

DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2026.1916439

Authors: Ahmed Alanazi, Hoda E. Kafl, Dalia H. El-Kashef, Ghada M. Suddek

Institution: Mansoura University

Language: English

Topic: Heavy Metal Exposure and Toxicity

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801