Effects of Caffeic Acid on Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes -Induced Mitochondrial Toxicity in Rat Kidney

Abstract

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are being utilized in various fields. With regard to their numerous applications, MWCNT-induced toxicity has not been extensively investigated. Thus, the present study sheds light on the protective effect of caffeic acid (CA) on mitochondrial toxicity in the kidney caused by MWCNTs in Wistar rats employing the MTT assay as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) indices, based on measuring glutathione (GSH), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), malondialdehyde (MDA), and catalase (CAT) activity. According to the MTT assay, using MWCNTs could significantly diminish mitochondrial viability based on doses. Furthermore, the study findings suggested that MWCNTs could reduce GSH content and CAT activity and subsequently improve mitochondrial ROS formation and damage the mitochondrial membrane of the kidney. The findings also implied that CA could protect renal mitochondria against toxicity induced by MWCNTs by lowering oxidative stress.