Modulation of inflammatory cytokines by curcumin: A key factor in its protective effects against cisplatin-induced kidney toxicity in rats

Background: Cisplatin is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent known for its potent anti-cancer activity; however, its clinical use is often limited by dose-dependent nephrotoxicity mediated through oxidative stress and inflammation. Curcumin, a natural polyphenolic compound, has shown promising anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in various disease models. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of curcumin against cisplatin-induced kidney toxicity in rats by evaluating its modulatory effects on key inflammatory cytokines: TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10.Methods: Forty adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups: Control, Cisplatin (7.5 mg/kg, i.p., single dose on day 20), Cisplatin + Curcumin (300 mg/kg, I.P. daily for 25 days), and Curcumin-only (300 mg/kg, i.p. daily for 25 days). At the end of the experiment, blood samples were analyzed for TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 levels using ELISA.Results: Cisplatin administration significantly increased TNF-α and IL-6 levels while markedly decreasing IL-10 compared to the control group (p