Loading

logo

Journal of Experimental Pathology

ISSN: 2694-5061

Original Research Open Access

The Role of N-acetylcysteine in Ameliorating the Immunohistochemical Expression of KIM-1 and TNF-α of Rat Nephrotoxicity

Abdelazim Ahmed Ismail1, Afaf Mousad Amine1, Amani Hussein Kazem2, Noura Abdel-kader Matar1, Mona Abdel- Hamed Yahia1,*
  • 1Histochemistry and Cell Biology Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Egypt
  • 2Pathology Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Egypt
+ Affiliations - Affiliations

Corresponding Author

Mona Abdel-Hamed Yahia, mona.a.yehia@gmail.com

Received Date: May 23, 2026

Accepted Date: June 22, 2026

Citation:

Ismail AA, Amine AM, Kazem AH, Matar NA, Yahia AH. The Role of N-acetylcysteine in Ameliorating the Immunohistochemical Expression of KIM-1 and TNF-α of Rat Nephrotoxicity. J Exp Pathol. 2026;7(1):27–37.


Copyright: © 2026 Ismail AA, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Abstract

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an exogenous antioxidant drug against oxidative tissue injury. The current study aims to investigate the ameliorating role of NAC on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and kidney injury biomarkers in male rats using an immunohistochemical study. The study was carried out on 50 male rats divided into two main groups and injected intraperitoneally. The control group consisted of 30 rats (GPI) and included three subgroups: GPIa received saline, GPIb received 500 mg/kg/day NAC, and GPIc received a single dose of 5 mg/kg CP. The treated group (20 rats, GPII) included two subgroups: GPIIa, administered CP after receiving NAC, and GPIIb, administered CP before receiving NAC. Fixed formalin-embedded paraffin sections were stained by hematoxylin and eosin to study the histopathological changes in rat kidney; silver methenamine stain was used to assess the thickness of the basement membrane, and immunoexpression of TNF-α and KIM-1 was assessed using an immunohistochemical protocol. Finally, we evaluated the urinary space, basement membrane thickness, and intensity of staining by image analysis software (ImageJ). The histopathology after 5 days of rats being administered CP revealed marked degeneration of kidney tissue, characterized by dilation of renal tubules, necrosis and pyknosis of tubular epithelial cells, thickening of the basement membrane, and atrophy of glomeruli, along with a significant increase in urinary space (p<0.001). An improvement of renal tubules and urinary space was observed in animals that received NAC before and after the administered CP. An increase in TNF-α and KIM-1 immunoexpression in the CP (GPIc) was observed, along with a significant increase in integrated optical density (IOD) (p≤0.05). However, a significant decrease of both biomarkers was seen in group CP after receiving NAC (p≤0.05). Therefore, receiving NAC leads to improved kidney tissue and alleviated kidney biomarkers. Thereby, receiving NAC before the CP intake may be useful for ameliorating the CP toxicity.

Keywords

Cisplatin, N-acetylcysteine, Kidney tissue, Immunohistochemical staining, TNF-α, KIM-1, Rats

Recommended Articles

Anti-diabetic Potential of Aqueous Extract of Moringa oleifera, Ocimum gratissimum and Vernonia amygdalina in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by absolute or relative deficiencies in insulin secretion and insulin action associated with chronic hyperglycemia and disturbances of carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism. It results from either defect in insulin secretion by the pancreas or inability of the cells to utilize the insulin produced.

Cytokines (IL-1 β, IL-6, IL-18, TNF-α) in Blood and Cerebrospinal Fluid in Neonatal Hypoxia/Ischemia)

Perinatal brain injury is an important clinical and socioeconomic entity. It is a syndrome of impaired brain function in the early days of life, and it is a consequence of inadequate brain oxygenation before, during or shortly after birth, with high mortality rates and early and late morbidity rates.

Neuroprotective Effects of Khaya Anthotheca (Welw.) C.DC (Meliaceae) Decoction on Neurodegeneration Induced by Estrogen Depletion in Rats

The cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala are among the brain regions where estrogens may act to improve cognition, memory and mood. In these regions, estrogens have many beneficial effects, including neuroprotection, neurogenesis, as well as neurotrophic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects [1-2].

A Customized Artificial Pancreas System with Neural Network based Model Predictive Control for Type 1 Diabetic Rats

Advances in sensor and computing technology have enabled researchers to develop artificial pancreas systems (APS) that can mimic the glucose regulation function of a healthy pancreas to treat type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). APS use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) sensor to read the latest blood glucose level (BGL).

Elevated Opioid Growth Factor Alters the Limbus in Type 1 Diabetic Rats

Ocular surface complications occur in more than 50% of individuals diagnosed with diabetes. The financial and health-related burden of diabetes is increasing annually. Several major ocular complications associated with diabetes involve the limbus. The vascular limbus, adjacent to the avascular cornea, is the source of circulating growth factors, elevated glucose, and cytokines for the cornea.

Full Text
Cite
Download PDF
Author Information X

About Scientific Archives

Scientific Archives is a global publisher initiated with the mission of ensuring equal opportunity for accessing science to research community all over the world. Spreading research findings with great relevance to all channels without any barrier is our goal. We want to overcome the challenges of Open Access with ensured quality and transparency.

Read More