Targeting SIRT-1/AMPK/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway by Tenofovir Protected Against Cyclophosphamide-Induced Nephrotoxicity and Cardiotoxicity in Rats

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Cyclophosphamide (CYC) is a commonly used alkylating agent for treating various cancers and autoimmune disorders. However, its use is often hampered by serious side effects, affecting multiple organs. This study aimed to explore whether tenofovir (TFV), a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor, could offer protective benefits against CYC-induced organ toxicity in rats. Methods: Two different TFV doses (25 and 50 mg/kg) were tested. The researchers evaluated the effects of TFV on kidney and heart function biomarkers, oxidative stress, autophagy, apoptosis, and inflammatory markers. Results: The results showed that pre-treatment with TFV significantly reduced the harmful effects of CYC, as evidenced by decreasing the activity of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), and the levels of serum creatinine (Cr.), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and malondialdehyde (MDA). TFV also boosted antioxidant defenses by increasing the expression of key proteins such as Nrf2/HO-1, AMPK, and SIRT1. Also, TFV regulated inflammatory and apoptotic pathways (revealed by reducing IL-1β level and increasing Bcl-2 level) and improved autophagy (showed by reducing LC3 expression). Conclusions: Overall, these findings suggested that TFV has strong protective effects against CYC-induced organ toxicity, likely through its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. This points to TFV as a potential therapeutic agent to help mitigate the organ damage caused by CYC.