Metabolomics for the identification of early biomarkers of
cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in a mouse model of cisplatin-induced
acute kidney injury
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity manifests as
acute kidney injury (AKI) in approximately one third of patients
receiving cisplatin therapy. Current measures of AKI are inadequate in
detecting AKI prior to significant renal injury, and better biomarkers
are needed for early diagnosis of cisplatin-induced AKI. Experimental
Approach: C57BL/6 and FVB/N mice were treated with a single
intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin (15 mg kg-1) or saline. Plasma,
urine, and kidney samples were collected prior to cisplatin injection
and 24-, 48-, 72-, and 96-hours following cisplatin injection.
Untargeted metabolomics was employed using liquid chromatography-mass
spectrometry to identify early diagnostic biomarkers for
cisplatin-induced AKI. Key Results: There was clear metabolic
discrimination between saline and cisplatin-treated mice at all
timepoints (day 1 to day 4). In total, 26 plasma, urine, and kidney
metabolites were identified as exhibiting early alterations following
cisplatin treatment. Several of the metabolites showing early
alterations were associated with mitochondrial function and energetics,
including intermediates of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, regulators of
mitochondrial function and indicators of fatty acid β-oxidation
dysfunction. Furthermore, several metabolites were derived from the gut
microbiome. Conclusion and Implications: Our results highlight the
detrimental effects of cisplatin on mitochondrial function and
demonstrate potential involvement of the gut microbiome in the
pathophysiology of cisplatin-induced AKI. Here we provide a panel of
metabolites to guide future clinical studies of cisplatin-induced AKI
and provide insight into potential mechanisms behind cisplatin
nephrotoxicity.