α-asarone reduce proteinuria by restoring antioxidant enzymes activities and regulating necrosis factor κB signaling pathway in doxorubicin-induced nephrotic syndrome

α-asarone is natural bioactive compound that has been reported to have many benefits and medicinal properties. The present study aimed to assess the protective effect of α-asarone against doxorubicin (DOX) induced nephrotic syndrome in rats. An experimental nephrotic syndrome was induced by single intravenous injection of DOX (7 mg/kg) in rats. Animals were orally administered α-asarone (10 and 20 mg kg-1 d-1) for 4 weeks. Blood, urine and kidney tissues were collected for analyses at the end of the study. Treatment with α-asarone significantly improved kidney function by significantly inhibiting proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, dyslipidemia, and restored antioxidant enzyme activities in kidney tissue. Furthermore, α-asarone ameliorated mRNA and protein expression of NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and podocin in the kidney. Histopathological evidence also confirmed the protective effects of α-asarone against DOX-induced nephrotic syndrome. In conclusion, α-asarone has an anti-nephritic effect that might be attributed to its antioxidant, hypolipidaemic and anti-inflammatory activities.