Caffeic acid phenethyl ester ameliorates colistin‐induced nephrotoxicity in rats via modulation of FOXO1/Nrf2/Sirt1 axis

Background Colistin (Cst) is one of the antimicrobial peptides and is reserved for use against multi‐drug‐resistant Gram‐negative bacteria. However, the clinical value of Cst is limited by its nephrotoxic adverse effects. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a honeybee propolis flavonoid recognised for its diverse pharmacological potential. It has demonstrated d antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties, as well as protective effects against chemically induced toxicity in variuos biological systems. This study aimed to investigate the impact of CAPE on nephrotoxicity induced in rats by Cst. Methods Animals were randomly divided into five groups. Group 1 served as control, group 2 received CAPE (10 mg/kg) orally, group 3 received Cst IP, group 4 received Cst + CAPE (5 mg/kg) and group 5 received Cst + CAPE (10 mg/kg). All treatments were given daily for 10 consecutive days. Results CAPE notably attenuated Cst‐inducednephrotoxicity as shown by reducing urea serum levels, creatinine, cystatin C, urinary protein contents and urinary N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase (NAG). This was confirmed by histological investigations that indicated amelioration of histopathological changes in the kidney architecture as well as the deposition of collagen in renal tissues. CAPE exhibited antioxidant effects supported by the prevention of rise in Cst‐induced lipid peroxidation and depletion of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymatic activities. In addition, CAPE inhibited the expression of the inflammatory markers including tumour necrosis factor‐α, nuclear factor kappa B and interleukin‐6. These actions were associated with modulation of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of Bax and Bcl‐2 in favour of anti‐apoptosis. CAPE inhibited Cst‐induced rise in forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) expression and downregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) immune‐expression. Conclusion CAPE protects against nephrotoxicity induced by Cst in ratsprimarily through its antioxidant, antiinflammatory and antiapoptotic activities. These pritective effects are mediated via modulation of FOXO1/Nrf2/Sirt1 axis. Colistin is an important antibiotic and reserved for resistant bacterial infection. However, it can also lead to serious nephrotoxic effects. In the current study, caffeic acid phenethyl ester protected against colistin‐induced nephrotoxicity.