Synergistic effect of piperine on curcumin in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity through DNA fragmentation and cytokines gene expressions

Cisplatin (Cis) is an anticancer drug commonly used to treat solid tumors. However, because of its nephrotoxicity, its use is limited. Our goal was to evaluate the effects of curcumin (Cur) and piperine (Pip) administered separately versus combined on Cis-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Significant adverse physiological, biochemical, and histological effects, such as decreased body weight, renal damage indices in serum and kidney tissue of indicated nephrotoxicity are caused by Cis (6 mg/kg, intraperitoneally i.p.). Cis also altered histological changes, DNA damage, renal oxidative stress, and several pro-inflammatory cytokines. By reducing proinflammatory and apoptotic mediators and enhancing antioxidant competence in the renal tissues of Cis-treated rats by supplementation with either Cur (200 mg/kg o.p.) or Pip (20 mg/kg o.p.) administered singly for 12 days, notably reduced the negative renal effects of Cis. In all the parameters, the ameliorative effect was greatly increased when Cur and Pip were administered together.