Phloretin-loaded selenium nanoparticles for alleviating cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury via inhibition of the cGAS/STING pathway

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a severe clinical condition with high morbidity and mortality, often triggered by nephrotoxic drugs like cisplatin. The cGAS/STING pathway, activated by DNA damage, plays a critical role in cisplatin-induced AKI. This study explores the potential of phloretin-loaded selenium nanoparticles (Phl/HS15-Se) as a therapeutic strategy to mitigate cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Phloretin, a natural flavonoid with antioxidant properties, was encapsulated in polyethylene glycol (15)-hydroxy stearate (HS15) micelles and combined with selenium nanoparticles to enhance its renal protective effects. The <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> experiments demonstrated that Phl/HS15-Se significantly reduced oxidative stress, DNA damage, and inflammation by inhibiting the cGAS/STING pathway. In a cisplatin-induced AKI mouse model, Phl/HS15-Se alleviated renal pathological injury, improved renal function, and reduced the expression of inflammatory markers. This study provides a promising nanomedicine approach for the treatment of cisplatin-induced AKI by targeting the cGAS/STING pathway.