Acrylamide (AA), commonly formed
in carbohydrate-rich thermally
processed foods, exerts harmful effects on the kidney. Allicin, from
crushed garlic cloves, exhibits strong biological activities. In the
current study, the protection mechanisms of allicin against AA-caused
nephrotoxicity were comprehensively examined using an in vivo rat model based on previous research that allicin plays a key role
in improving renal function. The results showed that allicin attenuated
histological changes of the kidney and ameliorated renal function.
Damaged mitochondrial structures, upregulated voltage-dependent anion
channel 1 expression, and decreased membrane potential and adenosine
5′-triphosphate levels were observed after AA treatment. Surprisingly,
allicin notably reversed the adverse effects. Further, allicin effectively
restored mitochondrial function via modulating mitochondrial biogenesis
and dynamics, which might be associated with the upregulated expression
of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). Meanwhile, allicin dramatically activated the
SIRT1 activity and subsequently inhibited p53 acetylation, prevented
the translocation of cytochrome c to the cytoplasm,
and reduced the caspase expression, thus further inhibiting mitochondrial
apoptosis caused by AA. In summary, the relieving effect of allicin
on AA-caused nephrotoxicity lies in its inhibition of mitochondrial
dysfunction and mitochondrial apoptosis.