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Therapeutic Potential of Ebselen-Driven Wound Repair in Mercury-Induced Cell Injury in NRK52E Renal Epithelial Cells

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Author Affiliations

  • 1Department of Zoology, Maharani Janki Kunwar College, Bettiah, West Champaran, Bihar-845438, India
  • 2Department of Zoology, Maharani Janki Kunwar College, Bettiah, West Champaran, Bihar-845438, India

Res. J. of Pharmaceutical Sci., Volume 14, Issue (2), Pages 38-51, December,30 (2025)

Abstract

Mercury, a toxic environmental pollutant, is readily available in the biogeochemical cycle and poses serious health risks even at trace levels due to its tendency to bioaccumulate. Among its forms, methylmercury (MeHg) is the most toxic, capable of crossing both the placental barrier and blood-brain barrier. This study investigates the cellular toxicity of MeHg on normal rat kidney epithelial cells (NRK52E) and evaluates the protective potential of Ebselen, an organic selenium compound with antioxidant and metal-chelating properties. NRK52E cells were exposed to 0.1 µM and 1 µM concentrations of MeHg, both alone and in combination with 10 µM Ebselen. Multiple assays including wound healing for cell migration, DCFDA for reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, Luminex multiplex assay for key kidney toxicity markers, invasion assay and cell cycle analysis were performed to assess the extent of toxicity and protection. MeHg exposure led to a significant increase in ROS levels, accompanied by dysregulation of cell adherence and wound healing. These molecular changes were associated with disrupted cell behaviour, impaired wound healing, and altered cell cycle progression, all indicating cellular toxicity. However, co-treatment with Ebselen significantly reversed these effects. ROS levels were reduced and cell cycle distribution improved. Ebselen’s ability to restore cellular homeostasis demonstrates its strong protective effect against MeHg-induced nephrotoxicity. This study highlights the potential of Ebselen as a therapeutic agent for mitigating mercury-induced kidney cell damage. It emphasizes the importance of early detection of nephrotoxic effects and timely antioxidant intervention to prevent long-term renal impairment caused by environmental toxins like MeHg.

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