Ameliorative properties of citronellol against alcohol-induced toxicity in human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells

Abstract

Alcohol-induced toxicity is a significant health concern that can lead to organ damage, including renal impairment. Citronellol has demonstrated several bioactive properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. The study aimed to investigate the ameliorative properties of citronellol against alcohol-induced toxicity in human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells. The HEK cells were exposed to ethanol to induce cellular toxicity, followed by treatment with different concentrations of citronellol to assess its cytoprotective potential. Cell viability was examined using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and crystal violet (CV) assay. Oxidative stress parameters, including glutathione levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, were measured. Apoptotic potential was evaluated by assessing the expression levels of CYR61 and p53 proteins. Experiments were conducted in triplicate.  Citronellol treatment improved cell viability in the ethanol-exposed HEK cells without causing cytotoxicity. A significant reduction in CYR61 protein expression was observed, while the p53 protein levels showed only a mild elevation. In addition, citronellol treatment did not significantly alter glutathione reductase or SOD activities compared with the control group. Overall, these findings suggest that citronellol confers protective effects against ethanol-induced cytotoxicity in human embryonic kidney cells, potentially by enhancing cell viability, attenuating oxidative stress, and modulating apoptosis-related pathways.