Alpinetin inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced acute kidney injury in mice

• Alpinetin inhibits LPS-induced kidney histopathologic changes, BUN and creatinine levels.
• Alpinetin inhibits LPS-induced ROS, MDA, and inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β production.
• Alpinetin inhibits LPS-induced NF-κB activation in kidney tissues.
• Alpinetin up-regulates the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in a dose-dependent manner.

Alpinetin, a novel plant flavonoid isolated from Alpinia katsumadai Hayata, has been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, the effects of alpinetin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute kidney injury have not been reported. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects and the underlying mechanism of alpinetin against LPS-induced acute kidney injury in mice. The results showed that alpinetin inhibited LPS-induced kidney histopathologic changes, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels. Alpinetin also inhibited LPS-induced ROS, MDA, and inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β production in kidney tissues. Meanwhile, Western blot analysis showed that alpinetin suppressed LPS-induced TLR4 expression and NF-κB activation in kidney tissues. In addition, alpinetin was found to up-regulate the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, alpinetin protected LPS-induced kidney injury through activating Nrf2 and inhibiting TLR4 expression.