Anti‑cancer effect Shikonin on Ferric Nitrilotriacetate‑induced Renal Cancer Rats Apoptosis Mediating PEG2/NF‑κB Signaling Pathway

Objectives: The research aimed to study the anti‑cancer effect of SKN in diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe‑NTA)‑induced renal carcinoma in rats. Materials and Methods: The experimental animal groups consisted of Group I (Control), Group II (DEN + Fe‑NTA), Group III (DEN + SKN), and Group IV (SKN alone). Retroperitoneal infusions were given for 24 weeks. Subsequently, tissues and blood samples were tested for biochemical, histopathologic, enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay, and western blot tests. Results: After 24 weeks, the antioxidant enzymes were found to increase in the SKN‑treated groups. Histopathology revealed normal tissue morphology with a significantly reduced inflammatory response in SKN‑treated animal groups compared to the control group. The serum levels of necrosis factor kappa B, PGE2, interleukin‑1β, interleukin‑6, and tumor necrosis factor‑alpha were also down‑regulated in the SKN‑treated animal groups. The apoptotic proteins (Caspase‑3, ‑9, and Bcl‑2‑associated X protein) were higher confirming SKN‑induced apoptosis. Conclusion: Overall evidence suggests that SKN exhibits a reno‑protective anti‑cancer effect against DEN + Fe‑NTA induced renal carcinoma in rats. Thus, SKN emerges as a therapeutic agent for kidney cancer therapy.