Dietary flaxseed oil inhibits kidney NF-kappa B activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in cisplatin-treated rats

The current study explores the anti-inflammatory effect of flaxseed oil (FXO) on cisplatin (CP)-induced renal damage. Rats prefed with normal experimental diets (normal/FXO diet) for 10 days were administered 30 mg kg⁻¹ and 50 mg kg⁻¹ i.p. CP in a single dose, while still on the experimental diets. Significant improvement in kidney function test and antioxidant enzyme activities in rats treated with combination therapy (FXO + CP) was detected. Interestingly, treatment by FXO resulted in significant downregulation (P < 0.05) in interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β expression in the renal tissue in comparison with CP-treated rats. Moreover, administration of FXO yielding negative and mild positive brown immunostain for tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) or mild and moderate positive brown immunostain for nuclear factor Kappa B (NF-kB) in the renal tissue of rats treated with 3 mg kg⁻¹ CP + FXO and 5 mg kg⁻¹ CP + FXO, respectively. The obtained results highlight the ameliorative anti-inflammatory effect of FXO in the renal damage associated with CP administration and confirm the necessity and usefulness of FXO dietary supplement when using CP in the treatment of cancer patients.