Curcumin Promotes Anti-Tumor Effect of Cisplatin and Protects Against Cisplatin-Induced Kidney Injury in Lung Cancer

Abstract Background: Lung cancer patients will develop strong drug resistance and serious complications, especially severe renal injuries, after long-term treatment of platinum-based drugs. Curcumin (Cur) combined with cisplatin (DDP) has a synergistic and attenuating effect on lung cancer. However, the role of curcumin in protection against DDP kidney injury in lung cancer remains unknown. Methods: We conducted in vitro experiments to evaluate the anti-tumor effect of cur combined with DDP such as MTT, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) analysis, and flow cytometry. The serology and histopathology were used to assess kidney injury induced by DDP in vivo experiments. Western blotting analysis was utilized to detect P38 levels in mouse kidneys. Results: A significant synergistic antitumor effect in A549 and LLC-1 cells based on the activation of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Moreover, Cur could reduce the nephrotoxicity of DDP treatment through the P38MAPK signaling pathway. Conclusion: Cur in combination with DDP may be considered as a beneficial combination regimen for enhancing DDP sensitivity and providing a promising renoprotective effect against nephrotoxicity induced by DDP.