Assessment of Pinctada radiata extract effect in preventing cisplatin-induced kidney damage: biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical evidence

Abstract Background Cisplatin (CIS) is an effective cancer therapy, but its nephrotoxicity often causes acute kidney injury, hence restricting its usage. This study assessed the nephroprotective effects of Pinctada radiata lipid extract (PRE) against cisplatin-induced kidney injury. Methods Lipids from Pinctada radiata were extracted using chloroform-methanol and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Acute toxicity of PRE was tested on rats with a dose of 5000 mg/kg as a single dose. Male albino rats ( n = 32) were allocated into Control, PRE (500 mg/kg/day), Cisplatin (7.5 mg/kg), and PRE + Cisplatin groups. Kidney function markers (urea, creatinine, sodium, and potassium), malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase; and histological and immunohistochemical analyses for caspase-3 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were assessed. Results The GC-MS analysis of PRE showed a mixture of fatty acids and sterols/steroid derivatives. CIS treatment significantly increased kidney function markers, oxidative stress, tissue damage, and caspase-3 expression. PRE pretreatment preserved kidney function, reduced oxidative stress, caspase-3 expression, and increased PCNA expression in CIS-rats, indicating renal protection via antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and enhanced renal regeneration effects. Conclusion: Pinctada radiata lipid extract shows promising nephroprotective potential against cisplatin-induced toxicity. Conclusion Pinctada radiata lipid extract shows promising nephroprotective potential against cisplatin-induced toxicity.