Cytoprotective role of p-cymene against alcohol-induced toxicity in human embryonic kidney cells

p-Cymene (p-isopropyl toluene) is a monocyclic monoterpene and is the main compound of many aromatic plant species. p-cymene also exhibits various pharmacological properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiviral, and antitumor activities. p-cymene also acts as a strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent. Alcohol use is widespread in the Western world and is found to be nephrotoxic, and can cause kidney injury, especially during pregnancy and kidney development during intrauterine life. Alcohol can lead to reduced levels of antioxidants and increased synthesis of pro-inflammatory markers. This study aimed to investigate the cytoprotective role of p-cymene against alcohol-induced toxicity in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells. In this study, we developed four groups: a negative control group, a positive control group, an injury group, and an injury plus treatment group. Injury was induced by ethanol, and then different concentrations of p-cymene, i.e., 50 µM, 100 µM, and 500 µM, were added to check the cytoprotective action of p-cymene. The MTT assay and oxidative stress marker (glutathione reductase) were assessed to check cell viability. The KIM-1 and 8-OHdG ELISA were done to evaluate the apoptotic pathways. The results concluded that the 500 µM treatment increased cell viability more than the other levels. According to the MTT Assay, Crystal Violet Assay, and Trypan Blue Assay, p-cymene increased cell viability in ethanol-injured cells. KIM-1 ELISA showed lower levels of kidney injury molecule-1 in p-cymene-treated cells. While 8-OHdG ELISA showed that 8-hydroxy guanosine levels were also reduced in the cells treated with p-cymene, in contrast to cells left untreated. In the Antioxidant assay, a GSH ELISA was performed, and the glutathione value increased in treated cells. In this research, it has been observed that p-cymene has a cytoprotective role against alcohol-induced toxicity in human embryonic kidney cells.