Protective role of bee pollen-enriched soy milk in enhancing renal function and alleviating nephrotoxicity

Abstract

This study investigates the protective effects of soy milk fortified with Bee Pollen (SMBP) against renal damage in a rat model. The rats were divided into four groups: control, SMBP-treated, cisplatin-treated, and cisplatin + SMBP co-treated. Kidney function was assessed by measuring serum urea, creatinine, and uric acid levels. Oxidative stress was evaluated through malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and antioxidant enzyme activities (GSH, SOD, and CAT) were measured. Inflammatory and apoptotic markers (NF-κB, IL-8, TNF-α, caspase-3, and caspase-9) were also analyzed, along with histopathological changes and immunohistochemical expression of NF-κB and cytochrome C. The results showed that adding 1 %, 3 %, and 5 % bee pollen to soy milk significantly increased protein content from 3.85 % in the control group to 9.26 % in the 5 % bee pollen sample. Bee pollen concentrations also enhanced antioxidant activity, total solids, and phenolic and flavonoid levels. Cisplatin treatment caused significant renal dysfunction, oxidative stress, elevated inflammatory markers, and apoptosis, accompanied by histopathological changes. Co-treatment with SMBP significantly reduced these effects, improving kidney function, reducing oxidative stress, and lowering inflammation and apoptosis. Histological analysis showed restored kidney architecture. These findings suggest that SMBP has strong nephroprotective properties, effectively counteracting renal damage through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms.