Attenuation of Docetaxel-induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in HEK 293 Human Embryonic Kidney Cells by Curcumin Treatment

Docetaxel (DOC) is a chemotherapeutic that induces microtubule stabilization. It is often used in breast, prostate, lung and gastric cancers but severe side effects such as cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity limit its usage. Curcumin (CUR), a natural bioactive compound derived from turmeric. Here, the possible preventive effect of CUR against DOC-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis on HEK-293 immortalized human embryonic kidney cells. Viability was assessed via MTT assay. The generation of ROS was measured by CM-H2DCFDA dye. Phosphatidylserine externalization and caspase 3/7 activity were used to measure apoptosis. CUR pretreatment remarkably inhibited DOC-induced cell viability reduction, ROS generation, and cell apoptosis in HEK-293 cells. Moreover, this study revealed that CUR pretreatment decreased the caspase-3 activity. Thus, this study highlights the novel pharmacological mechanisms of CUR and understanding the detailed mechanisms of CUR action could lead to novel renoprotective interventions.