Curcuma comosa ameliorates cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity: COX-2 expression and ultrastructure changes

To determine the protective effects of ethanol extracts of Curcuma comosa on kidney injury by cisplatin, mice were randomly assigned into 4 groups: Control, cisplatin control (12.5 mg/kg body weight (BW), i.p.), C. comosa+cisplatin (pretreatment with C. comosa at dose 200 mg/kg BW orally for 4 consecutive days before cisplatin injection), and C. comosa control groups. After five days, the renal tissues were collected to evaluate histopathological changes and inflammatory markers. This study elucidates the postulate of using C. comosa to counteract effect of cisplatin in terms of renal toxicity. The outcome shows that incidence of nephrotoxicity in cisplatin given along with C.comosa, decreased clinically and statistically, comparing with cisplatin given alone. It shows less of renal tubular damages and COX-2 expression. Also, the microscopic alteration showed a decreased number of swollen cells, necrotic and apoptotic cells. These aforementioned results proved the benefit use of C. comosa in aspect of renal protection.  C. comosa can ameliorate cisplatin-induced kidney injury through the suppression of the inflammatory cytokine (COX-2) and its anti-oxidant properties. Therefore, it is a promising alternative regimen for the prevention of nephrotoxicity during cisplatin therapy. Key words: Randomized controlled trial, Curcuma comosa, kidney injury prevention, histopathology, COX-2 expression.