Nephroprotective effects of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa in 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-Induced Nephrotoxicity: Computational and physiological analysis of cytokine expression

The increasing incidence of chemotherapy-induced nephrotoxicity underscores the urgent need for effective nephroprotective agents. This study uniquely integrates in silico and in vivo approaches to evaluate the nephroprotective potential of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (haramonting), addressing a critical gap in current literature. Unlike previous studies focusing solely on antioxidant effects, this research targets key inflammatory cytokines— interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1)known to mediate renal injury. Objectives included compound identification, molecular docking with cytokine targets, and in vivo validation using Wistar rats (n = 36) treated with R. tomentosa extract (100–300 mg/kg) for 30 days. Kidney function markers (urea, creatinine), cytokine expression (ELISA and immunohistochemistry), and histological features were evaluated. In silico analysis revealed strong binding affinity of dominant flavonoids (myricitrin, myricetin) to cytokines and stable protein-ligand dynamics. In vivo, treatment reduced creatinine and urea levels, improved renal histoarchitecture, and upregulated protective cytokines. These findings position R. tomentosa as a promising adjunct therapy to preserve renal integrity during chemotherapy. The study provides a novel cytokine-centered framework for evaluating herbal nephroprotective agents and supports further clinical investigation. • R. tomentosa protects kidneys from DMBA toxicity, reducing stress and inflammation. • R. tomentosa boosts IL-6, IL-10, TGFβ1, and VEGFR1, aiding kidney repair and function. • Compounds stabilize IL-6, TGFβ1, and IL-10, reducing structural variations. • Improves kidney structure, lowers creatinine, and reduces oxidative stress. • Higher doses of R. tomentosa enhance nephroprotection in treated rats.